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The agricultural crops within Oltenia occupy significant areas, especially at the level of the Oltenia Plain and of the Piedmont Hills. The rest of the areas where agricultural crops are located account for less extensive surfaces (at the top of the Getic Piedmont and of the Sub-Carpathian hills). In recent years, much of the agricultural land in this part of the country has been cultivated with precision agriculture, but in some areas conventional agriculture is still maintained. The comparative analysis of the lands where conventional versus precision agriculture is practiced highlights the existence of a different spontaneous vegetation, which on certain surfaces is harmful to agricultural crops. If we add to these the increasing recent expansion of invasive alien species, we can say that the production of these surfaces is significantly affected. Vegetation harmful to agricultural crops in Oltenia is included in 12 associations. The phytocenoses of the association Stellarietum mediae Hadac 1969 have the largest distribution, but the phytocenoses of the association Setario-Sorghetum halepensis Ștefan et Oprea 1997 cause significant damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) is an invasive weed with pollen representing one of the most potent seasonal aeroallergenes. Romania is considered a ragweed infested country, based on field observations performed in different regions, pollen counts done in the West region and some clinical reports from allergists in the West and South parts. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the situation of allergies induced by Ambrosia artemisiifolia from the perspective of allergists practice in Romania and to draw some conclusions regarding consequences and possible measures to reduce this burden. The study was based on a questionnaire addressed to allergists attending the national annual allergology conference in 2013. The answers showed that part of the allergists are aware of the importance of allergies induced by Ambrosia pollen. We concluded that research projects in this field, application of eradication measures and public information are important for increase awareness of people about health impact of Ambrosia pollen in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to estimate the relationship between pollen viability and atmospheric pollution (in polluted and non-polluted conditions). The study was carried out in the city of Timisoara. Two areas, with different intensity of road traffic (very high and absent) but all characterized by the presence of the same plant species, were selected. The pollen of herbaceous spontaneous species, arboreal species and a shrub species was used (Robinia pseudacacia, Aesculus x carnea, Catalpa bignonioides, Albizzia julibrissin, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra, Malva neglecta, Ranunculus acer, Trifolium repens, Cichorium intybus). The pollen of these species was treated with TTC (2, 3, 5 Tryphenil-Tetrazolium-Chloride) staining solution and viability was then estimated by light microscopy. The results of the mean pollen viability percentage of the examined species are reported. Pollen viability of herbaceous plants is significantly different between the two environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]