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Introduction: Isoproterenol (ISO) is regarded as an adrenergic non-selective β agonist. It regulates myocardial contractility and may cause damage to cardiac tissues. Alchemilla vulgaris (AV) is an herbal plant that has garnered considerable attention due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive components. The present investigation assessed the cardioprotective potential of AV towards ISOinduced myocardial damage. Methods: Four groups of mice were utilized: control that received saline, an ISO group (85 mg/kg, S.C.), ISO + AV100, and ISO + AV200 groups (mice received 100 or 200 mg/kg AV orally along with ISO). Results and discussion: ISO induced notable cardiac damage demonstrated by clear histopathological disruption and alterations in biochemical parameters. Intriguingly, AV treatment mitigates ISO provoked oxidative stress elucidated by a substantial enhancement in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, as well as a considerable reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. In addition, notable downregulation of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and RAGE) and the NF-κB/p65 pathway was observed in ISO-exposed animals following AV treatment. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic marker Bax was downregulated together with autophagy markers Beclin1 and LC3 with in ISO-exposed animals when treated with AV. Pre-treatment with AV significantly alleviated ISO-induced cardiac damage in a dose related manner, possibly due to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Interestingly, when AV was given at higher doses, a remarkable restoration of ISO-induced cardiac injury was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, and synergistic potential of essential oils derived from Romanian lavender. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that linalool is the main compound in all lavender essential oils, with concentrations ranging from 29.410% to 35.769%. Linalyl acetate was found in similar concentrations to linalool. Other significant compounds included 1,8-cineole (8.50%), lavandulyl acetate (5.38%), trans-β-ocimene (6.90%), and camphor (7.7%). A 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was used to assess antioxidant capacity, with substantial free-radical-scavenging activity shown in the IC50 values determined. The antibacterial efficacy of the oils was higher against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria, with variations in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the extent of inhibition, and evolution patterns. The study also explored the oils' ability to enhance the efficacy of ampicillin, revealing synergistic interactions expressed as fractional inhibitory concentration indices. In silico protein–ligand docking studies used twenty-one compounds identified by GC-MS with bacterial protein targets, showing notable binding interactions with SasG (−6.3 kcal/mol to −4.6 kcal/mol) and KAS III (−6.2 kcal/mol to −4.9 kcal/mol). Overall, the results indicate that Romanian lavender essential oils possess potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and their synergistic interaction with ampicillin has potential for enhancing antibiotic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeybees have been helpful insects since ancient centuries, and this benefit is not limited to being a honey producer only. After the bee stings a person, pain, and swelling occur in this place, due to the effects of bee venom (BV). This is not a poison in the total sense of the word because it has many benefits, and this is due to its composition being rich in proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other types of molecules in low concentrations that show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. BV has also demonstrated positive effects against various cancers, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing versus the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though topical BV therapy is used to varying degrees among countries, localized swelling or itching are common side effects that may occur in some patients. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complex chemical composition of BV, highlighting the diverse range of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications, which extend beyond the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, showcasing the versatility of BV in modern medicine. A specific search strategy was followed across various databases; Web of sciences, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar including in vitro and in vivo clinical studies. to outline an overview of BV composition, methods to use, preparation requirements, and Individual consumption contraindications. Furthermore, this review addresses safety concerns and emerging approaches, such as the use of nanoparticles, to mitigate adverse effects, demonstrating a balanced and holistic perspective. Importantly, the review also incorporates historical context and traditional uses, as well as a unique focus on veterinary applications, setting it apart from previous works and providing a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate from a nutritional, phytochemical, and rheological point of view different varieties/lines of oats cultivated in Romania. In this sense, the proximate composition (proteins, lipids, mineral substances, starch, and carbohydrates), the total polyphenols content (TPC) of individual polyphenols and macro and microelements of 20 oat varieties/lines were determined. In order to evaluate the potential for use in the flour industry (pasta, bread, and biscuits)., a variety of oats with optimal nutritional properties and active principles was used to obtain oat/wheat composite flours in different proportions (10–30% oat flour) and subjected to rheological analysis using the Chopin Mixolab test (Chopin Technologies, Paris, France) The results showed a protein content between 14.36–17.08%, lipid content between 6.01–9.03%, starch between 44.13–52.95%, total mineral substances between 0.93–1.65%, carbohydrates between 65.16–69.32% and energy value between 389.81–409.86 kcal/100 g. The TPC content varied between 614.76–1244.58 µgGAE/g, and the average values of individual polyphenols were between 1.87 μg/g (rosmarinic acid) and 28.18 μg/g (gallic acid). Regarding the macroelements content, potassium (K) was the major element (203.19 μg/g), followed by calcium (Ca) (181.71 μg/g) and magnesium (Mg) (105.79 μg/g). The level of microelements varied between 3.02 μg/g for nickel (Ni) and 60.25 μg/g for iron (Fe). Multivariate data analysis PCA was used to correlate the obtained data. The rheological analysis using the MIXOLAB system proved that, from the point of view of technological properties, composite flours from a mixture of 10–30% oat and wheat flour are the best for obtaining biscuit dough, compared to pasta or pan bread. Following the study and based on nutritional, phytochemical and rheological results, line 2511 was selected as optimal for use in obtaining hypoglycemic flour foods for people with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Potamogeton L. includes submerged or floating perennial hydrophytes. Globally, botanists discuss up to 120 species. In the Romanian Flora, volume XI (eds. SĂVULESCU & NYÁRÁDY, 1966) there are described 15 species. CIOCÂRLAN (2009) and SÂRBU et al. (2013) present 15 confirmed species and 2 unconfirmed for Romania. Over time, in Banat (with reference especially from Timiş and Caraş-Severin counties), we found reports about several species of Potamogeton. The studies belong mainly to (TÖKES, 1905), SORAN (1954, 1956), BOȘCAIU (1966), GRIGORE (1971), COSTE (1974), VICOL (1974), OPREA et al. (1974), ARVAT (1977), ARSENE et al. (in STĂNESCU, 2005), MATACĂ (2005), NEACŞU (2008). Some of these species, as Potamogeton compressus and Potamogeton obtusifolius are no longer reconfirmed in the field, due to the reduction or disappearance of some wet zones. The weight of the common species of Potamogeton (like Potamogeton crispus and Potamogeton natans) in the structure of the aquatic vegetation is significant and it indicates, from an ecological point of view, the eutrophication, an obvious phenomenon in the Lake Sânandrei (Timiş county), which we studied (NEACŞU, 2008). SÎRBU & OPREA (2011) do not mention any species of Potamogeton as invasive for our country. On the other hand, CIOCÂRLAN (2009) and SÂRBU et al. (2013) maintain in their list a rare species, Potamogeton coloratus (cited from Mehedinţi county). The distribution of this species was considered uncertain in the old flora of our country (1952-1976). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Twin is an emerging agritech technology that involves creating virtual representations of physical systems, which can be used for various purposes, such as optimizing crop management, predicting yield, and managing resources efficiently. The research is focusing to build a accurate digital twin model for crop growth, considering factors like evaporation (ET), growing degrees days (GDD), crop type, soil data, and agricultural practices. The model handles data streams related with geolocation, IOT historical sensor data and weather forecasts streams to simulate the crop risk and yield. Frequent updates based on realtime data enhance accuracy. Aside essential water management crop flow, the model is processing historical data related with nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) elements are vital for plant growth and health, and their optimal balance can significantly impact corn yield. The research is extended on five locations in both Romania and Luxembourg handling wheat, corn and rapeseed crop simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates SAPS (Single Area Payment Scheme) beneficiaries in Timiș and Caraș Severin counties, Romania, categorizing them by legal entity type (individual, authorized natural person, legal entity, and enterprise), gender, age, and the respective monetary values attracted in each jurisdiction. Findings in Timiș reveal a numerical preponderance of individual beneficiaries, yet a cumulative analysis across legal entities underscores their quantitative superiority. Conversely, in Caraș Severin, the cumulative count of all legal entities does not exceedt hat of individual beneficiaries. Gender distribution in Timiș manifests as 70.5% male and 24.5% female, while in Caraș Severin, it is 71.1% male and 28.9% female, with statistically comparable proportions at a significance level of α=0.01. Regarding age, beneficiaries uniformly exhibit a minimum age of 18 years, with noteworthy instances of advanced age, reaching 95 or 96 years. The rightward-skewed age distribution is explicable by a pronounced presence of elderly individuals within the cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa L. is one well-known medicinal plant that has attracted interest recently and throughout the years. Our research aimed to highlight the antimicrobial activity of hemp seed oil, the Mara variety cultivated under the conditions of the University of Life Sciences in Timisoara, on 12 microbial strains. The results demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy dependent from one species to another, as follows: an upward trend, positively correlated with the concentration increase tested in the case of: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans with MIC between 0.2 mg/mL-8 mg/mL. As well as a downward trend, negatively correlated with concentration in the case of strains of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Bacillus cereus and Candida parapsilopsis, where MIC was present starting with the concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. In the case of certain strains (Clostridium perfringens), Cannabis sativa L. oil showed a pronounced strain-boosting effect, with significant stimulation of bacterial growth. The results support further research into the effect of Cannabis sativa L. vegetable oil as a potential antimicrobial agent for microbial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyse the morphological characters for eight spontaneous populations of thyme, including an endemic population (Thymus comosus), collected from different regions of the Banat area. Both interpopulation and intrapopulation variability determinations were pursued, and results were correlated with statistical interpretations. Morphological analyses were carried out, including the shape of the leaves, as this morphological character is decisive in the taxonomy of the genus Thymus. Based on morphological similarity, the analysed populations were hierarchically classified, by the cluster mean method, in two main clusters. In the first cluster, six of the eight analysed populations were grouped, respectively those belonging to the species Th. praecox (with the two subspecies janke and polytrychus) and Th. dacicus. In the second cluster we find the endemic population of Th. comosus and the population of Th. pulegioides, which are 97.51% morphologically similar, but different from the populations found in the first cluster. The obtained data allowed the quantification of the associative relationships between the morphological parameters studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to analyse the agronomic characteristics of a maize variety consisting of 20 inbred lines, which are used as germplasm sources for hybrid maize production at SCDA Lovrin. The statistical analysis and interpretation of the results were carried out using IBM SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, including mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values, were calculated. To evaluate the significance of the differences, ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests, as well as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, were performed. Pearson correlation coefficients and regression lines were determined to study the relationships between variables. The results indicate significant differences between the studied traits, such as leaf color, leaf orientation, anther color (tassel), silk color, ear position (degree), total number of leaves, number of leaves up to the main ear, and number of tassel branches. Additionally, a linear correlation was observed between the number of growing degree days (GDD) to flowering/silking and the total accumulated GDD until flowering/silking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to analyse the dynamics of remote sensing indices calculated based on Sentinel 2 satellite images over a period of 5 years: 2017-2021. The analysed area is a protected natural area in Western Romania. Remote sensing images were taken in approximately the same month of each year and based on them the remote sensing indexes was determined: NDVI, MSAVI2, NDSI, SI and BI. An unsupervised classification of the RGB image from 2017 and 2021 was also performed. Based on the remote sensing data, strong correlations have resulted between NDVI and SI, NDVI and NDSI, NDVI and MSAVI2, SI and NDSI, SI and MSAVI2, NDSI and MSAVI2. Considering the high level of correlations between NDVI and SI, NDSI, MSAVI2 indices, the regression analysis was used in evaluating the predictive relationship of each index based on the spectral values of the NDVI index. Prediction of SI, NDSI, MSAVI2 values based on spectral data of the NDVI index was possible with high statistic accuracy. For SI, the statistical security obtained was expressed by R2 = 0.89576, for NDSI the statistical security obtained was expressed by R2= 0.9845 and for MSAVI2 the statistical security obtained was expressed by R2= 0.99988. This study presents a recent and efficient approach to monitor protected areas, based on spectral information provided by remote sensing. This study provides useful scientific information for the management of the studied protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified genetic diversity in pear cultivars using ISSR techniques. In breeding programs, molecular markers play an important role. Molecular markers are the most efficient tools for the study of taxonomy, genetic variability, phylogenetic analysis, gene tags, gene localization and development of new cultivars. ISSR techniques were used in the identification of the genetic diversity of 10 pear cultivars. Five out of the used primers in this study amplified clear and reproductible bands. The ISSR primers produced 51 bands, and 45 of them were polymorphic, with an average of 10.2 amplicons/primer. The size of the fragments varied from 200 to 1250 bp. The polymorphic bands, registered per primer ranged from 6 (844) to 11 (primer UBC 830). The percentage polymorphism was between 83.33 for UBC808 and 100% for primer 844. Degree of DNA polymorphism was estimated at 89.54% (ISSR). PIC registered values between 0.34 to 844 and 0.75 for UBC814. The primer 844 presented values of discrimination index (PI) 2.06. The obtained results will be useful to serve plant breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last period of time, we are witnessing a perturbation of the climate, this having a direct influence over the agricultural yields. Luckily, on one hand Timis County has a soil with a higher quality, suitable for a large span of crops due to the close levels of groundwater, thus granting the crops to overcome more easily long periods of drought. On the hand modern agricultural equipment grants the farmers the usage of specifical crop technologies, in order to keep the water into the soil and to prevent erosion and the scarce effects of drought. This study aims to follow the evolution of yield performance over the course of three years - 2018, 2019 and 2020. The performance of agricultural establishments can be appreciated through the results obtained over the course of production process. Although over the course of the three years deviations of both rainfall and temperatures were registered, superior yields were reported for all Timis County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper contains our own data and observations issued from the scientifical papers, published between 1970 and 2020. Although, at a first approach, the flora of wet zones in the Romanian Banat region does not seem spectacular, our analysis shows the presence of several hundreds of species. In the past 50 years, many authors have studied these wet zones habitats bringing important contributions (floristic inventories, the study of rare or invasive species, general observations on the flora). Compared to the first part of the reference period, many species, considered common in the past, have become less frequent, some of them with uncertain spontaneous presence or extinct from the Romanian Banat: Hippuris vulgaris, Ludwigia palustris, Stratiotes aloides, Hottonia palustris, Lysimachia punctata, Potamogeton lucens, Zannichellia palustris, Marsilea quadrifolia. Significant changes are also noticed in cormoflora structure in terms of life forms and geo-elements. Reducing and degrading habitats and direct human pressures, the presence of invasive species (Amorpha fruticosa, Echinocystis lobata, Reynoutria japonica, Helianthus tuberosus, Asclepias syriaca, Lindernia dubia) are serious threats to wet zones cormoflora, including that of the protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed is a crop that has a significant agronomic response in terms of seed yield and oil content and yield. This study aims to assess the influence of fertilizer type, quantity and the combined effect of them on both seed and oil yield in the pedoclimatic conditions of Western Plain in Romania. The research was carried out on a chernozem soil with a weak acidic reaction and for biological material, it consisted of one rapeseed hybrid developed by Limagrain company, Astronom. The experimental field was uniformly fertilized at the same time with sowing with 200 kg/ha of 27:13.5:0 complex fertilizer and in order to assess the influence of fertilizers, in the spring, three graduations of fertilizers were used, as follows: a1 - E34 (10:24:0 + 0.1Zn + 0.1Br +20 SO3); a2 - DAP (18:46:0) and a3 - 20:20:0. The results highlight the increase of both seed and oil yield, depending on the type of the fertilizer, with as much as 20% compared to the field average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to carry out a study on the influence of climatic conditions and fertilization with chemical fertilizers on wheat production in the specific conditions of Didactical Farm (SDE) of the University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara (ULST). A Fundamental contribution to the increase of the yield per unit area is made by the level of N, P. K fertilization and optimal soil and climatic conditions for exploiting the productive potential of the cultivated variety. The high ecological plasticity of wheat and its constant productions means that farmers are still very interested in this crop. Growers are also interested in the crop with the highest yield per unit area. The aim of this paper is to highlight the yield results of Ciprian wheat variety, obtained in the soil and climatic conditions of SDE during 2019-2020, under the influence of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization in order to determine the growers to choose an optimal wheat fertilization option. Wheat yield obtained was determined by nitrogen fertilizer application from the control variant as follows: N30-485gk/ha, N60-584 kg/ha, N90-605 kg/ha, at all four rates the differences are statistically assured as highly significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyssopus officinalis L. has a long and rich history as a medicinal plant due to the health benefits transmitted from generation to generation of usage as a carminative, antiseptic, and cough reliever. These benefits have drawn the attention of the researchers, whom, in the last years, have started to fundament scientifical elements of the hyssops crop technology. This study aims to follow and report the germinative capacity and both fresh and dry herba yield of three hyssops varieties (white, blue and pink). The assessing of herba yield, was done at SCDA Lovrin and the germinative capacity of the studied varieties was determined in the Laboratory for Seed Quality from the Faculty of Agriculture from Timisoara. The results are highlighting significant differences between the varieties regarding germinative capacity, the mass of 1000 grains and both dry and fresh herba yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the analysis of 15 cultivated maize hybrids for further selection of the hybrids that present a high yield potential and favourable agronomical traits, in the context of actual climate change. The analysis and interpretation of the obtained results was performed with the help of the IBM Spss statistical software. Descriptive characteristics were calculated: average, median, standard deviation, minimum values and maximum values. In order to analyse the significant differences, the ANOVA and Duncan statistical test was applied, respectively Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney. For the study of the links between the variables, the Pearson correlation coefficients and the regression lines were determined. The results are indicating the existence of significant differences between the analysed parameters Also, the results are corelated to the meteorological data, registered during the corresponding development phase of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of agricultural crops to the application of biostimulators depends on the climatic conditions, the type of soil and cultivated variety. While knowing the role of biostimulators on the growth and development of crops, as well as on quantitative and qualitative increases in the scientific field, the aim of this research is to follow the influence of procaine treatments on the level of production and quality of two potato varieties (Armonia and Gared), depending on planting density (55 X 103 and 70 X 103 tubers/ha). The tubers were treated with procaine by immersion, for two hours, prior to planting, in a 10 mg/l solution. The research was carried out in the period 2019-2022, in the pedoclimatic conditions of the Almaj Depression, on a semi carbonate eutric alluvial type soil, located in the meadow area, with loamy-sandy texture, slightly alkaline soil reaction, pH 7.67, and a medium humus content (2.72%). The researched area has a moderate continental temperate climate, with Mediterranean and oceanic influences, which give a special nuance to the depression, with multiannual average of atmospheric precipitation varying between 670-750 mm. Fertilization of the crop was achieved by incorporating under ploughing 25 t/ha of manure and 600 kg/ha of 15:15:15 complex fertilizers. The results obtained highlight the positive effect of the treatment with procaine on the tubers before planting, on average on the two tested varieties and the two densities, expressed in production increases of 7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current scientific paper presents a review of essential oils with antifungal effect, the mechanism of action of the main components of essential oils and the possible synergistic actions between them on pathogens. Essential oils of oregano, cinnamon, fennel, mint and dill in various concentrations have demonstrated effects on ergosterol biosynthesis, specifically reducing the amount of ergosterol. Thus, a significant change in ergosterol biosynthesis will inhibit the growth of fungi and cause their death. An advantage of using essential oils over synthetic ones is the use of small amounts of essential oils to achieve strong fungistatic and fungicidal effects. In conclusion, through this work we tried to make: an enumeration / revision of volatile oils with bio pesticidal potential, highlighting the effects produced on fungi from the Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium families, but also on the mycotoxins biosynthesized by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the recent changes of the climatic conditions, new crops emerged and were taken into consideration by farmers all around the world. One such crop is Camelina sativa from the Brassicaceae botanical family which gained its attention due to the high oil content and balanced fatty acid ratio. In Romania, being a non-traditional crop, Camelina lacks a specific cultivation technology adapted to local pedo-climatic conditions. Although Camelina is not a pretentious crop, the yield response to fertilization is significant and that's what this paper covers. The experimental field was situated in the western part of Romania and we followed the yield response of two Camelina varieties under different fertilization schemes. The obtained results ensure the statistical significance of the positive yield variation of Camelina under different fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present scientific work presents the results of the effects of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil treatments at different concentrations (25 and 50 μl/ml, respectively) on the germination of maize seeds, considering the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the essential oils mentioned above. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial of the plants. To evaluate the phytotoxicity of lavandin and marjoram essential oils, on the germination process of maize seeds, an in vitro experiment was performed. The experiment showed that the application of lavandin essential oil at a concentration of 25 μl/ml has a beneficial effect on the germination process of maize seeds, causing stimulation of the development of vegetative organs. On the other hand, increasing the concentration from 25 μl/ml to 50 μl/ml, produced an inhibition of corn pore germination, thus obtaining a germination percentage of only 70%, compared to the control group where a percentage of 90% was obtained. Based on the results obtained, and taking into account the proven antimicrobial properties of lavandin oil, it can be stated that this oil, in the optimal concentration, can be considered as an ecofriendly fungicide in grain warehouses. Marjoram oil proved an inhibitory effect regarding the germination of maize seeds, for all tested concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present scientific paper presents the results of the effects of treatments with essential oils of crimson beebalm (Monarda didyma) and wild thyme (Thymus pulegioides), at different concentrations (25μl/ml and 50 μl/ml), on the germination of soybean (Glycine max) seeds, considering the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the essential oils mentioned above. Soybean seeds represent one of the most important sources of vegetable protein, widely cultivated throughout the world. To evaluate the phytotoxicity of essential oils on the seed germination process, two experiments were realized: one in vitro and one in vivo. It was observed that the application of Monarda didyma and Thymus pulegioides essential oil treatments, at different concentrations, did not negatively influence the germination percentage of soybean seeds, but caused a reduction/inhibition of root size development. The in vivo experiment showed an inhibitory effect of the tested oils on the development of vegetative organs of soybean plants compared to plants in the control group not treated with essential oils. Based on the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the oils analysed, as well as the results obtained in the in vitro experiment following the application of essential oil treatments on soybean seeds, the use of the oils studied, can be taken into acount as possible ecofriendly fungicides in grain storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After Romania's accession to the European Union, it assumed responsibility for the implementation of the European legislative stipulations in all fields, including in the field of environmental protection, which means implementation of the Habitats Directive (92/43 EEC) provisions, which refers to the conservation of community interest species and habitats. In this context, specific conservation strategies have been developed according to the biotic and abiotic profile of the Natura 2000 Sites. The profile of the ichthyocenosis within the Natura 2000 Site ROSCI0032 Cheile Rudariei was based on the scientific queries (inventory and monitoring of the community interest ichthyofauna, SR EN 14011:2003), that followed: identification of species, the number of individuals, individuals waist, the biomass, sex and age, as well as physical and chemical parameters of the aquatic environment. The ichthyocenosis within the Natura 2000 Site ROSCI0032 Cheile Rudariei have in their structure the following species: (1138 CN 2000) Barbus meridionalis (community interest species), Salmo trutta fario, (1163 CN 2000) Cottus gobio (community interest species), Phoxinus phoxinus, (4123 CN 2000) Eudontomyzon danfordi (community interest species), Nemachilus barbatulus, Leuciscus cephalus, (1124/6144 CN 2000) Romanogobio albipinnatus (community interest species) and Alburnoides bipunctatus. Barbus meridionalis population is well represented at the site because the aquatic ecosystem has specific habitats for feeding, rest, reproduction and winterin. The habitat area of the species was 2.0-3.0 ha, and the species population size was estimated at 5,000-10,000 individuals (class 6). The population of Eudontomyzon danfordi occupied an area of 0.5-1.0 ha at the site level and the population was estimated at 500-1,000 individuals (class 4). Cottus gobio species is well represented at the site because the species population size was estimated at 1,000-5,000 individuals (class 5) and the habitat area of the species was 1.5-2.0 ha. The community interest species Romanogobio albipinnatus was identified in the neighborhood of the Natura 2000 Site ROSCI0032 Cheile Rudariei. Processing of gross data has highlighted the fact that the ichthyocenosis conservation status at the site level was favorable and has a stable trend. Temporary or permanent hydrotechnical facilities without scientific approval represent the current and future anthropogenic pressure that may influence the conservation status of the community interest ichthyocenosis, but scientific queries have allowed the development of a package of conservation strategies found in the Management Plan of Natura 2000 Site ROSCI0032 Cheile Rudariei, approved by normative act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known the importance of studying the mineral content of plant species, as essential and indispensable nutritional components for their good physiological functioning and going along the trophic chain, of animals and humans, based on the content of mineral elements. As a result of the demographic growth, in the last period of time, the concerns regarding the identification of new food resources, on the one hand, and the establishment of sustainable principles for the management of the existing ones, on the other hand, have increased. Thyme, like many other genera belonging to the Lamiaceae family, has economic and pharmaceutical importance, being intensively studied from a chemical point of view. In the paper, the results regarding the content in microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni) are analyzed in 17 wild populations of thyme, compared with a cultivated population (Th. vulgaris). The samples were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectroscopy method (AAS). The iron content varied widely, depending on the place of origin and the analyzed species, reaching maximum values in the cultivated population Th. vulgaris (486 mg/kg), exceeding the wild populations, with only one exception, Th dacicus harvested from the Lescovita area (564 mg/kg). Likewise, the chromium content for the cultivated population, reached high values (0.849 mg/kg), compared to the wild populations, being surpassed only by Th. pulegioides (1.250 mg/kg), collected from the Pojejena area. For all the other microelements analyzed, the values recorded for the cultivated population, did not exceed the values of the wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral profile of thyme, a species so often used as a medicinal plant or spice, represents a permanent and significant research topic for the fields of agronomy, chemotaxonomy, biochemistry. Previous studies have indicated a significant number of organic substances with high antimicrobial potential not only in cultivated but also in spontaneous populations of thyme, revealing the phytobiological value of these species. We are in a permanent search for new resources from the wild flora, necessary either for direct use or introduction into culture. In this context, the study evaluates the mineral profile related to 17 spontaneous populations of thyme identified in the Banat area, compared to a cultivated population, investigating the quality of the biological material analyzed. The content of total mineral substances (ash) in the analyzed populations varied between 1.19% in the population of Th. pannonicus ssp. auctus from the Silagiu area and 10.85% in the cultivated thyme (Th. vulgaris), observing the existence of individual variations depending on the species, but also depending on the harvesting area. The characteristics of the biotope are defining and influence the mineral profile of the thyme populations in natural areas. Among the mineral elements analyzed in the present work, those related to the analysis of the macroelement content are presented. The amount of calcium accumulated in the dry vegetable mass can represent a relevant indication as a species character, if it will be confirmed by other specialized studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]