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A particularly important determining factor for the installation and development of seedlings during the early years is their ability to withstand deviations from the normal regime of the climatic elements. Beech seedlings have poor resistance to extreme climate changes. The development of seedlings during the first years can be strongly affected by extreme temperatures. During the research, it was noticed that the frosts which may occur during the second half of April and in early May, before foliation, can cause significant injuries to the plantlets. A large part of the beech seedlings appear in early spring, approximately 7 - 10 days before the foliation of beech trees. The effects of these frosts have also been felt in the nurseries located in the area of the Sovata Forestry, in the case of crops sown in the autumn of the previous year in the Isuica Nursery, situated at an altitude of 520 - 530 m, in the vicinity of Săcădat Creek, and in the case of Solar II Nursery, situated in the village Câmpul Cetaţii, at an altitude of 610 m. The latter nursery is neighbored by the trout farm from Câmpul Cetăţii to the south, by the secondary school to the west, by private residences and estates to the east and by the village road of Câmpul Cetăţii to the north. In both nurseries the emergence percentage of the crops at the end of April was over 90%. Based on the average number of seedlings emerged per area unit, the losses recorded as a result of the frosts from 3-4 May were, in the case of the Isuica Nursery, 89% on 10 May, reaching 97% towards the end of the month. Unlike in the Isuica Nursery, in the Solar II Nursery the losses due to the frost of 3 May were not uniform. The area that was least affected by frost was situated in the immediate proximity of the larch curtain and the secondary school building, where the percentage of losses did not exceed 2%. Moving away from the larch curtain, the percentage increased progressively, reaching, at about 24 m (on the diagonal of the plot), as high as 87%. This percentage was close to that of the (uniform) losses registered in the Isuica Nursery. Thus, the maximum protective effect was recorded up to a distance of about 9 km (0.75 H), where H represents the height of the larch curtain). From this distance, the protective effect exerted by the larch curtain (and the secondary school building with a height of 8 m) started to decrease. While at a distance of about 1 H, the percentage of losses was 17 %, at 1.5 H it reached 61 %, and at approx. 2 H it neared 90 %.

Potato, a component of global food security and economic stability, is cultivated extensively worldwide due to its adaptability to diverse climates and soil types. Ongoing research and technological advancements, including the use of unconventional products destined to fight the most harmful pathogens, are essential for enhancing productivity and resilience in potato farming. The current study aimed to identify the most appropriate fertilizers and phytosanitary treatments in order to attain optimal potato yields, dry matter, and starch contents, under climate-specific environments. The experiment was conducted in the northwest of Romania in 2023. The research was organized as a trifactorial experiment with the factors variety, fertilization, and phytosanitary treatment. XLSTAT (2022.2.1v.) was utilized for data processing. Mineral fertilization combined with conventional phytosanitary treatment led to the highest average yields in both potato varieties. Also, a combination of organic fertilization and treatment with 4% A. cepa extracts led to notable results, which suggests the possibility of successfully using these inputs in organic agriculture. The study shows the importance of selecting appropriate agricultural inputs to optimize potato yields, achieve specific levels of dry matter and starch content in a specific area, and promote sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability reporting is an essential tool for companies and organizations to assess and communicate their sustainability performance. Its importance derives from the need for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees and local communities. The principles underlying an effective sustainability report include integrity, accuracy, comparability and clarity. The main purpose of the sustainability report is to provide a clear view of the economic, social and environmental impact of the organization's activities, contributing to continuous performance improvement and alignment with international standards. The objective of our study is to analyze sustainability reporting and ESG (environment, social, governance) reporting, key steps and methods for measuring and reporting sustainability, and the sustainability policy criteria and reporting frameworks used internationally (GRI, IIRC, SASB, TCFD, ISO 26000, ISO 14016) in order to identify areas for further development to improve the relevance and effectiveness of sustainability reporting. The results obtained from our study enable a better understanding of how an organization reports its social, economic, and environmental impact, the differences in compliance with the international standards used, the main steps, and sustainability criteria followed. Our research highlights the necessary actions and steps through which sustainability reporting can become a more effective and relevant tool, contributing to real sustainable development and more responsible resource management. The usefulness of this report is reflected in many aspects: it facilitates informed decision making, enhances trust and reputation, helps identify risks and opportunities, and supports sustainable business strategies. The sustainability report is not only a means of reporting but also a catalyst for positive change, promoting responsible business practices and contributing to global sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin–glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol–glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 μg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for nutritious foods has spurred investigations into alternative sources of nutrition beyond traditional options. For this reason, the present study approaches amaranth, which is a plant with high nutritional potential. Based on the unique pedoclimatic conditions of the Somes meadow in Transylvania and the known adaptability of amaranth varieties to diverse environments, we hypothesize that certain amaranth varieties of South American origin will demonstrate their potential for morphological development, grain biomass yield, and quantitative characteristics when cultivated in this specific environment. Our study aims to identify if, based on morpho-productive traits, the six amaranth varieties under investigation in a specific environment are suitable for consumption as functional food. A bifactorial trial was implemented with the following factors: amaranth species and amaranth varieties. Two species and seven varieties of amaranth were studied. Differences are reported between morpho-productive and quantitative traits of the seven amaranth varieties studied in this research. The Pearson simple correlations show that morphological traits moderately contribute to grain fresh biomass yield, while morphological traits and fresh biomass strongly contributed to grains dry biomass yield. Our study shows that while current research offers valuable perspectives on the performance and nutritional composition of amaranth varieties studied, there are recommended more studies conducted across diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Carpatina goat breed from Romania is very well adapted to a range of contrasting and very different environments compared to highly specialized breeds. This adaptability makes them an important source of genetic variability for future breeding programs. To improve breeding strategies, it is necessary to evaluate the genetic diversity of the Carpatina breed. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate genetic diversity and inbreeding of old native Carpatina goat populations from different geographical areas in Romania using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 67 individuals. Diversity, measured by average expected heterozygosity (HE), was 0.418, and average observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.420. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimation showed that the average r2 value was 0.32. The effective population size (Ne) estimate 13 generations ago ranged between 98 and 185. These results based on SNP data are very useful for the application of proper management and for designing goat breeding programs. Animal husbandry is one of man's oldest occupations. It began with the domestication of animals and developed continuously, in parallel with the evolution of human society. The selection and improvement of goats in Romania was not a clearly defined objective until around 1980. In recent years, with the increasing economic value given to goats, breeding programs are becoming established. In Romania, a few goat genetic studies using microsatellites and mtDNA have been carried out; however, a systematic characterization of the country's goat genomic resources remains missing. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variability of Carpatina goats from four distinct geographical areas (northern, north-eastern, eastern and southern Romania), using the Illumina OvineSNP60 (RefSeq ARS1) high-density chip for 67 goats. Heterozygosity values, inbreeding coefficients and effective population size across all autosomes were calculated for those populations that inhabit high- and low-altitude and high- and low-temperature environments. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity (HE), ranged from 0.413 in the group from a low-temperature environment to 0.420 in the group from a high-temperature environment. Within studied groups, the HT (high temperature) goats were the only group with a positive but low average inbreeding coefficient value, which was 0.009. After quality control (QC) analysis, 46,965 SNPs remained for analysis (MAF < 0.01). LD was calculated for each chromosome separately. The Ne has been declining since the time of domestication, having recently reached 123, 125, 185 and 92 for the HA (high altitude), LA (low altitude), HT (high temperature) and LT (low temperature) group, respectively. Our study revealed a low impact of inbreeding in the Carpatina population, and the Ne trend also indicated a steep decline in the last hundred years. These results will contribute to the genetic improvement of the Carpatina breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate significantly influences vineyard placement and grape variety selection. Grapes cultivated in cold climates typically yield higher quantities but have lower sugar content and higher acidity, resulting in high-quality table wines. Cool climates are particularly conducive to white wine production. However, susceptibility to frost poses a challenge in colder regions, potentially damaging crops and hindering proper ripening. The present study aims to explore the relationships between three primary fungal pathogens that pose significant threats to grapevines, within the specific climatic conditions of the experimental area, using multiple regression analysis and response surface methodologies. The research was conducted in Hunedoara County, Geoagiu Depression using Feteasca alba grape variety. Three phytosanitary treatment schemes, including two experimental treatments and one untreated control, were implemented. The targeted pathogens include Plasmopara viticola, Uncinula necator, and Botrytis cinerea. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA v.8.0 software for Windows. Graphical representations with response surfaces and multivariate analysis were used to examine pathogen interactions. According to our study, strong positive correlations (resulted between pathogens, whatever phytosanitary fight scheme was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of food waste and food loss has garnered increasing attention in academic research and policymaking circles, highlighting challenges within the agri-food supply chain. In developed countries, various actors collectively contribute to food waste, while in low-income countries, issues derive from financial and technological constraints. Despite efforts to address food waste in Western economies, Central and Eastern European countries face challenges due to lack of standardised legislation and limited data. This study aims to explore stakeholders' perceptions related to food waste in Romania and proposes strategies to mitigate it. It employed semi-structured interviews to collect data due to their flexibility and ability to capture personalised responses, based on European Commission recommendations. Participants were selected purposively from different categories, including farmers, processors, distributors, HoReCa representatives and NGOs. A total of 128 interviews were conducted, primarily in Transylvania (Romania). The study found a shared recognition among stakeholders of the need for improved legislation, increased awareness, and technological advancements to reduce food loss and waste. It also revealed common challenges, including inefficient distribution channels, lack of cooperative campaigns and inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations include implementing strategies such as food stock management, efficient packaging and storing as well as donation initiatives. The findings contribute to a better understanding of food waste and loss dynamics in Romania and offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders to address this pressing issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we analyse the evolution of the grapes yield and their sugar content belonging to "Fetească Regală" vineyard variety cultivated in climatic conditions of Transylvanian region, Romania, covering the time period 2020-2022. In each experimental year, daily temperatures and precipitations were recorded during the grapevine vegetation period. Grapevine yield and sugar content was recorded at the end of each vegetation period. Averages were calculated yearly and by entire experimental period. Descriptive statistics and multi regression approach were implemented to calculate de averages, dispersion parameters, significance of differences, and relationships between the climatic factors and production traits. Overall datasets concerning grapes yields and their sugar content expressed a normal distribution. Our study emphasizes that precipitations have low influence on grapes yields and their sugar content, while temperature is positively associated with both above mentioned quantitative traits. When expressed by experimental years, increased temperatures led to higher yields and sugar content, significant differences are reported among yearly values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing imperative for sustainable development generates research in the field and explores innovative approaches to manage vegetable crops to reduce the usage of synthetic inputs commonly associated with conventional practices as well as to promote the undertaking of organic solutions. Tomatoes are universally recognized as a highly significant and popular fruit vegetable due to their large use palette. Trials were carried out in the Gâlgău area, Transylvania, Romania. Bifactorial experiments were organized to quantify the influence of fertilization and treatments on the morpho-productive and quantitative traits of the Ruxandra tomato cultivar and on Phytophthora infestans levels of infection. The use of mixed fertilization resulted in the best performances of morphological traits (highest leaf area, highest number of leaves and fruits, highest chlorophyll content) and part of the productive traits (highest content of dry matter), and the lowest levels of infection in cv. Ruxandra, while the use of NPK soil fertilization led to the best performances in fruit weight and NUE, whatever the administered treatment. The treatment with herbal extracts showed a similar efficacy in increasing the averages of morpho-productive traits and diminishing the P. infestans level of infection compared with the conventional treatment. The treatment efficacy was mainly influenced by temperature and relative air humidity, regardless of the fertilization strategies applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for innovative strategies for promoting sustainable approach of sugar beet cultures includes identification of new products and management practices destined to weed control. Such products, besides effectiveness against weeds, also involve a good crop tolerance to herbicide, resulting in high production and productivity. Research in the field resulted in the development of market available SMART systems including sugar beet varieties. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of an intelligent solution of crop management in specific SMART sugar beet varieties, using a new herbicide based on foramsulfuron, and thiencarbazone-methyl, and the influence of this approach on sugar beet production, sugar yield and production. The experiment was organized in 2023, in a private farm from Cuci village, Mureș County, Romania. Four sugarbeet varieties (Belamia, Hopper, Djerba, and Kipunji) used both as SMART and classic (Class) formulas were used to emphasize the differences in yield, sugar yield, and relative sugar yield. The results of the study show the efficacy of using the SMART system, which has as results improvements in sugarbeet yield and yields traits, expressed by sugar and relative sugar yields for all studied varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of edible mushrooms from the spontaneous flora can help complete food diets being considered important sources of micronutrients with positive effects on human health. The identification of the nutritional status of the mushrooms from the Transylvanian area involves identification of species, environmental factors, and qualitative and quantitative physico-chemical mushrooms' traits. The purpose of the research is to determine Ca and K macroelements and As, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn microelements occurence in mushrooms from a specific area, to provide a picture of their macro-and microelemental nutritional status. The samples considered for the analysis consisted of two species of mushrooms Boletus edulis Bull. (boletus) and Cantharellus cibarius Fr. (chanterelle mushrooms) and determinations of mineral elements were performed using an ElvaX Mobile - a portable Energy Dispersive - X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) analyzer. The results of the study revealed that potassium was the most abundant macro element (in average concentration of 25.92 g/kg) in Boletus edulis Bull. followed by calcium. The same trend was recorded in the case of Cantharellus cibarius Fr. samples. Among the microelements, Fe tended to be most abundant in both mushrooms' species. The main idea derived from the research carried out is that wild-grown mushrooms are natural food resources, which must be valued due to their flavor and taste on one hand and to their high mineral content on the other hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall yield and sugar content of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) were determined by the genotype and its interaction with the environment. This study aimed to analyze the interaction of 23 genotypes with different environmental conditions during two growing seasons. To estimate the variance of genotypes, environment, and genotype function of the environment, the R 3.5.1 software package was used. In addition, the multivariate stability method was used to explain the G (genotype) × E (environment) interaction based on the GGE (Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment) and AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) biplots. The AMMI ASV (AMMI stability value) and biplot analysis revealed that only two genotypes (G10 and G11) showed higher values for yield and sugar content and production compared to the other genotypes. The AMMI ASV analysis also showed that the environment significantly influenced the sugar beet yield, sugar content, and sugar production, which were the descriptors for production in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater pollution is a threat to the environment and human health because it is an important source of drinking water. Groundwater is used to supply water to communities and pollution occurs when harmful substances and contaminants infiltrate into the groundwater. Through excessive use of fertilizers, agriculture is a major contributor to groundwater pollution. This study tests the impact of organic and mineral fertilization on the groundwater physiochemical parameters and explores the potential consequences of using manure as fertilizer on groundwater nitrate pollution. The experiment was carried out in Satu Mare County, Romania, where both organic (manure) and mineral fertilizers were applied to potato cultures to test their impact on 18 physiochemical parameters of groundwater quality. Basic Statistics, Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), and Principal Components Analysis were used for emphasizing the impact of mineral and organic fertilization on groundwater quality and relationships between analyzed groundwater parameters. The results show that groundwater corresponding to the site where the higher dose of organic fertilization was applied is characterized by nitrate concentrations (64.92 mg/L) and pH values (6.3 pH units) beyond the allowed limits. Based on the calculated NPI (2.21), it falls within the significant pollution category. Two principal factors were identified as having an impact on groundwater quality: fertilizer type and administered dose, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residues of apple, plum, and pear contain a diverse range of crude chemical components like proteins, lipids, ash, fiber, or nitrogen-free matters, which contribute to the nutritional content, flavor, and functional characteristics of the waste materials. The aim of the present trail was to emphasize a comparative picture of apple, pear and plum wastes nutritional composition with literature data concerning whole fruit. In this aim, crude chemical composition, mineral nutritional composition, and vitamin C were quantified from waste samples collected from a regional specific area, Transylvania, Romania. The crude chemical composition was determined according to Weende scheme, vitamin C using volumetry, iron and macroelements using spectrophotometry, and flamephotometry. The means, standard deviations, and coefficient of variation were calculated using STATISTICA v.8.0 for windows software. The apple wastes have the highest nutritional value from the point of view of chemical crude content, while plum wastes the lowest. The mineral and vitamin C contents show similar nutritional values among fruit wastes, but pear wastes exhibit higher levels of phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin C, whereas plum wastes show elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits wastes have high potential as resources that may contribute to maintaining environmental sustainability. Key indicators such as water content, freshness, and dry matter content play crucial roles in understanding the makeup and attributes of both animal and plant-based foods, in a broad sense. The aim of this study is to emphasize the water, fresh, and dry matter content of three fruit species waste, apple, pear, and plum respectively, resulted from households' trees, in the meantime with the interrelationships between moisture, fresh and dry matter of the above-mentioned fruits wastes. The fruit wastes were collected from two Romanian areas, Cluj, and Bistrița-Năsăud Counties, respectively. STATISTICA v.8.0 for windows software was used for data processing. All three fruit species show significantly low dry matter content and high moisture, compared to whole fruit, as cited by literature. The moisture, fresh and dry matter of fruit wastes are strongly, and very strongly multiple correlated, with representativeness within the interval 87.6% (for plum wastes), and 94.30% (for pear wastes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet yields are highly influenced by a series of factors, both technological and environmental. This study aims to emphasize the effect of the environmental temperature and agricultural key inputs (fertilization and water) on production and sugar content function of sugar beet hybrid in the same growing area. A three factorial experiment was conducted (genotype x irrigation x fertilization) was organized from 2021 to 2022 in the experimental field located in Viișoara commune, Cluj County. Daily temperature and precipitations were monitored. The results of 2-years studies concerning the sugar content and yields for each experimental sugar beet variety (Vanghelis, Tesla, Penalty, and Gorilla) are recorded. The results of our study show that in Vanghelis variety are reported the highest average yields (66.60 t/ha), and sugar content (10.84%). The fresh and dry root yields and sucrose content did not differ significantly among Vanghelis and Gorilla varieties, but significant varieties are reported among these varieties, and the other two, Tesla, and Penalty, respectively. Strong and moderate correlations are identified between sugar beet yields and sucrose content on one hand, and environmental inputs on the other side, for each studied variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water footprint assessment is an analytical tool that helps us understand how activities, actions, and products from human activity influence the scarcity and pollution of water resources. The objectives of the paper are to study the water footprint that is necessary for the production of food for human consumption as an effective way to determine how food habits put pressure on water resources and to identify ways to reduce the stress found on them. To calculate the water footprint of food products consumed by Romanian residents, two types of data were used: information on the average annual net food consumption of each type of food considered during the research and the water footprint per unit of food consumed. In addition, an analysis was carried out based on the structure of the water footprint and the structure of food consumption. In terms of the structure of the water footprint, the contribution rate of the green water footprint is the highest, reaching 83.5%. This is followed by the blue water footprint and the gray water footprint, accounting for 9.04% and 7.46%, respectively. From the perspective of the structure of food consumption, the consumption of cereals, meat, milk, and dairy products contributed the most to the water footprint of residents' food consumption, reaching 21.8% and 26.6%, respectively, and contributing 24.2% to the total water footprint of food consumption. Our research is useful for water management, improving the efficiency of use in agricultural technologies, and optimizing the structure of food consumption, such as reducing grain and meat consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geraniums (pelargoniums or storksbills, officially named as Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. Ex Aiton) are appreciated worldwide due to their ornamental potential and versatility. The research was conducted to emphasize the evolution of morpho-decorative and qualitative traits of two geranium cultivars of high aesthetic value, namely 'Tango Salmon' (Montevideo) and 'Tango Dark Red', depending on two different fertilization, conventional-chemical fertilization, and unconventional scheme, with a homeopathic solution respectively. It is excessive repetitiveness and is not the case.) cultivar, unconventional fertilization scheme tested conducted to the best results regarding most morpho-decorative characters investigated (33.40 cm height, 21.10 leaves/plant, 34.75 flowers/inflorescence, 2.35% nitrogen, and 48.34 SPAD). For cultivar 'Tango Dark Red', the conventional fertilization conducted to the best results in terms of height (18.90 cm), stems/plant (5.90), leaves/plant (14.95), and flowers/inflorescence (37.55), while unconventional fertilization led to higher nitrogen accumulation (2.18%) and enhanced chlorophyll synthesis (47.08 SPAD). Between nitrogen and chlorophyll contents within geranium leaves, strong positive correlations were identified in 'Tango Salmon', and weak to moderate in 'Tango Dark Red' cultivar. Higher scores were attributed to aesthetic indicators for 'Tango Salomon' compared to 'Tango Dark Red'. The unconventional fertilization of geranium cultivars is an eco-friendly solution for enhancing their morpho-decorative characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutraceutical prototype resulted from celery enrichment in selenium has high nutritional and curative effects due to the potential synergy between the nutritional components. The aim of this study is to identify the relationships between nutritional components identified in a nutraceutical prototype based on a celery matrix. The study of the interaction between the nutritional constituents of the food supplement prototype based on a matrix from the crop of the year 2021 was carried out both by calculating multiple correlations and by calculating simple correlations between them. Dry matter, crude protein and non-nitrogenous extractives are components of the prototype that show, according to the present study, the most interrelationships with the other nutritional components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a series of considerations according to celery used as component of nutraceutical products may have health benefits. The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional content of celery destined to be used as matrix for nutraceutical prototype. The prototype of a selenium enriched celerybased nutraceutical consists in a matrix based on selenium enriched Apium graveolens L. Dacia variety. The nutritional status of the analyzed prototype is characterized by satisfactory nutritional status concerning the crude chemical composition, contents in macroelements, microelements, and also bioactive molecules as seleno-amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins A and E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the concentrations of these trace elements in wild berries are relatively low, they play essential roles in various physiological processes within the human body. Macroelemental analysis pertains to the quantification of elements that are required in larger quantities for proper human nutrition. In wild berries, the predominant macroelements include potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These elements are fundamental for various physiological functions. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital water-soluble vitamin found in wild berries. It plays a significant role in human health as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The aim of this study is to emphasize the micro-macroelements and vitamin C content of a nutraceutical prototype based on bilberry and lingonberry (8:2, g/g) matrix enriched in organic resveratrol. Macroelements and microelements in the studied matrices were determined flanphotometrically and spectrophotometrically, vitamin C was dosed volumetrically. Our study led to the conclusion that The specific concentrations of macro-, microelements and vitamin C in wild berries will vary depending on the type of berry and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that nutraceuticals are a distinct category of foods or dietary supplements that have the ability to provide health benefits in addition to their nutritional role. Berries such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries or currants have been recognized as rich sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients with potential beneficial effects on human health. A prototype nutraceutical product from berries can be developed by combining several types of berries in a special formula. The aim of this study is to emphasize the nutritional content of a nutraceutical prototype based on bilberry and lingonberry (8:2, g/g) matrix enriched in organic resveratrol. The prototype is obtained by adding a resveratrol supplement in a proportion of 15 ppm isolated from autochthonous species of forest fruits from the spontaneous flora (bilberries and lingonberries. The raw data were statistically processed using the STATISTICA v.8.0 program for Windows. The crude chemical composition was determined by specific analyzes for the quantification of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash and nitrogen free matter, by difference. The prototype nutraceutical product from berries represents an opportunity to exploit the benefits of these natural resources to improve human health. With further research and development, such a product could become a valuable tool in promoting health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the influence of the climatic traits on wild berries production and quality is well known, this issue is of interest to be analysed in connection with specific species, areas, and climate. The present study was conducted for characterizing the crude chemical composition, pH, ascorbic acid, and total phenolics and of studied wild berries species, and quantifying the interrelationships among climatic conditions characterizing the fruits collecting area and their dry matter content. In this aim, there were taken into consideration two species of wild berries, Rubus idaeus L. (raspberry), and Ribes nigrum L. (blackcurrants), respectively, harvested from Colibița area, Bistrița-Năsăud County, in the autumn of 2022. The influences of the precipitations, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind velocity on studied wild berries dry matter content are quantified. The above-mentioned climatic parameters were collected from databases, and averages were calculated by wild berries vegetation period (March-September 2022). According to the multiregression analysis, and simple correlations calculation, only precipitations and temperature influence the wild berries dry matter content. The studied interrelationships show that increasing trends in temperature and rainfall regimen are moderate and positively correlated with both fresh and dry yields of raspberry, and blackcurrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk, cow's milk and three types of addition (black currants, birch buds extract and blueberries) were used to obtain yogurt. The milk used was characterized physico-chemically and in terms of the total number of germs and the number of somatic cells. Blackcurrants, birch bud extract and blueberries have been used due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties they hold. The yogurt most appreciated by consumers was the one with a proportion of 5% added black currants, followed by yogurt with blueberries and on the last place was the one with birch buds' extract. Yogurt was appreciated by people who tasted this product based on sensory characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of bars based on sesame seeds and other types of addition were made. The two types of products have a similar composition in the seed base, and the auxiliary products used have the role of changing the taste according to the consumer's preferences. The raw and auxiliary materials used have been used because they have a high antioxidant capacity and other benefits for the consumer. The highest antioxidant capacity was in goji, followed by the seeds of sesame, hemp, and pumpkin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural nutrients are particularly important as a contributor to coastal and estuarine algal blooms. Increased nutrient input can stimulate excess algal growth, leading to low dissolved oxygen levels, potential for harmful algal toxins, blocking sunlight needed by aquatic organisms and plants, and degraded habitat conditions for benthic macroinvertebrates and other aquatic life. The aim of this study is to emphasize the results of a study concerning site specific soil nitrates and nitrites contents quality by quantifying in proximity of groundwater. The increased input of nutrients to a body of water can stimulate excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, thereby creating eutrophic conditions that interfere with recreation and the health and diversity of vegetation, insects, fish, and other aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracetamols are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) widely used in pain and inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to analyse the paracetamol tablets (sinus and normal) using Raman spectroscopies for determination a differentiation and characterization the pH dependence (basic and acid). The active compound present in commercially tablets and their influence of pH value have been obtained and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to FAO-STAT data updated until 2020, worldwide, Europe ranks first in terms of the proportion of potato production at global level (41.90%), followed by by Asia (39.60%), America (12.70%), Africa (5.30%) and Oceania, which only has a contribution of 0.50% in the world potato production. The present study aims to emphasize the effect of aqueous extract of Allium cepa L. in fight against Alternaria solani Sorauer in potato. Over the entire experimental period, the best results were obtained with the non-conventional treatment performed with an aqueous solution of 3.3% Allium cepa L. (GA6 = 8.11%) and 4% Allium cepa L. (GA2 = 13.42%), and the weakest (even weaker than in the case of the untreated control) under the conditions of treatment with Alcupral 50 PU (GA4 = 16.07%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improved procedures and methodology for obtaining berry matrices represent an issue that is part of the existing national and international concerns of enriching the range of nutraceutical products with a high content of antioxidants, in this case resveratrol, through scale production wide range of alternatives designed to both help allopathic medication and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Our study aims to test different solutions for extraction of polyphenols from studied berries from the Cluj County in order to emphasize the best extraction solvent/solvents. The highest values of total polyphenols were obtained with the ethanol/water binary extraction system (80: 20, v/v). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), phytosanitary risk analysis (PSA) is the process of evaluating biological or other scientific and economic evidence to determine whether a pest should be regulated and the severity of possible phytosanitary measures that should be taken against it. The aim of this study is to emphasize the results of a study concerning the phytosanitary solutions for the control of the main diseases in sugar beet in context of climate changes. A multiple correlation coefficient equal to 0.892 (R2 = 79.60%) was obtained, the analysis of the regression line, Y = 7.228 + 0.298X1 + 0.972X2, demonstrates a greater influence of the rainfall regime on the degree of attack and a much greater influence lower thermal regime, similar to the situation recorded in the experimental year 2020. The highest degree of attack of Cercospora beticola Sacc. (1876) was located at the peak of its manifestation around the value of 42%, under the conditions of a rainfall regime starting from 170 mm and thermal from 20 0C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that wild berries are valuable sources of nutrients, and their consumption has positive effects on human health status. They are considered as sources of phytonutrients that are thought to have, mainly to their antioxidant activity, both curative and preventive effects against a wide range of diseases. This study was conducted for quantifying the macronutrients content of four species of wild berries: Rubus idaeus L., Ribes nigrum L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L., and for identifying the influence of specific climatic conditions of the harvesting area on their dry matter content. Fruits were colected from Sovata area, Cluj County, Romania, and analysis were performed in the Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Protection, of UASVM Cluj-Napoca. Our study shows that in concerned area black currant and bilberry have the highest nutritional content in crude protein (1.18% and 1.22%, respectively), non-nitrogen compounds (15.06%, and 8.06%, respectively), and dry matter content (17.24%, and 14.9%, respectively). The multivariate analysis show that only environmental temperature and precipitation has an influence upon fruits dry matter. The above-mentioned climatic factors influence in different extent the dry matter. Thus, in black currant (R = 0.395), raspberry (R = 0.635), and bilberry (R = 0.671) their influence is lower compared with lingonberry (R = 0.940). Our study also suggests that black currant and bilberry species emphasize strong nutritional potential, and they are less influenced by the climatic conditions compared with other wild berry species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to emphasize the influence of microwave irradiation for stimulating some quantitative traits in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seven varieties were took into consideration. Three cultivars are used for oil, two have mixed use, and one for fiber. The cultures were developed within the Didactical and Experimental Station Jucu, of UASVM Cluj-Napoca. A bifactorial experiment (F1 -- variety, with seven graduations represented by the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars; F2 -- irradiation, with two graduations, irradiated and non-irradiated seed) was developed, according to randomized blocks methodology. A microwave enclosure was used to create the electromagnetic field in the laboratory, in order to irradiate the seeds, which will be used in culture. An electromagnetic field was applied, informally modulated with a frequency of 2450 MHz and 750 W with a power level of 48 %. The influence of the microwave field on some growth and productive traits in linen culture is quantified using the following indices: the emergence percentage, plant height, seed yield, and oil production. The seed irradiation has different effects on analyzed indices, function of cultivar. Majority of best performances are identified for irradiated experimental variants. The results of our study may contribute to the scientific and practical substantiation of the use in culture of an unconventional method of stimulating physiological processes in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivation, which, correlated with the productive capacity of some cultivars lead to quantitative and qualitative increase of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas from Romania are still characterized by poor access to quality water and sanitation. The study addresses the drink water physical-chemical quality of private wells in Iara Commune, Cluj County. Water samples from 6 individual wells in Iara Commune as well one sample of water from groundwater abstraction source, were analysed with the main purpose of determining the following compounds and quality indicators: pH, conductivity, permanganate index, dissolved ions, metals, and the results were compared with the limits allowed by the legislation in force. The results, regarding the physical-chemical indicators measured, generally showed a good quality of underground water resources, except for nitrate content in several samples, revealing risks due to the presence of local polluting sources, or possible poor wells exploitation and maintenance practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, a wide variety of mechatronic systems are implemented in precision agriculture. Mechatronic systems are also often used to monitor the sub-processes involved in a complex agricultural system, while each sub-process corresponds to a subsystem. The subsystems involved are often interconnected via IoT (Internet of Things). The Internet concept of objects refers to a series of elements, which are the components of a network of sensors, elements, etc. The results of our study show the effectiveness of drones in assessing the fertilization needs of a barley crop, using NDVI "drone technology". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purposes of the law, packaging means "all products, regardless of the material from which they are made or their nature, intended for the retention, protection, handling, distribution and presentation of goods, from raw materials to processed products, from producer to user or consumer. The non-returnable item intended for the same purposes is also considered packaging". Traceability is a tool used by regulators to manage risk in several supply chains, including supply chains with goods derived from genetically modified organisms, human blood, seafood products, toys and hazardous waste. This tool can help support a variety of statements ranging from concern for nature to consumer satisfaction and health. The current legislation establishes that economic operators in the market have important obligations regarding the achievement of annual targets for recovery and recycling of packaging waste, as well as obligations related to the reporting of quantities of packaging waste managed to the competent authorities. In order to achieve the recycling targets imposed by Law no. 249/2015 on the management of packaging and packaging waste, companies have three working options, and one of them is the traceability file. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most important vegetables grown due to its nutritional value, having an important role in the daily diet of the population, being a very healthy food. Globally, about 4,848,000 ha are cultivated with tomatoes that ensure a production of 182,301,395 tons, of which about 10% is produced in the EU. The largest areas cultivated with tomatoes were, in 2017 in Asia, about 54% of the total followed by Africa, which accounted for 27% of global areas. The lowest attack degrees are reported in conditions of conventional treatment, followed by administration of lavender extract and rosemary extract. Best plant development expressed in number of leaves, flowers and fruits, is reported in variants unconventionally treated with lavender and rosemary extracts, but in terms of fruits, the conventional treatment also led to best results (2 fruits/tomato plant). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the maize cultivation technology, very important factors were taken into account for obtaining high productivity: crop location, precursor plant, sowing method, sowing date, sowing depth, crop maintenance work, special work, harvesting, drying and production conditioning. The average weight of the cob with grains and the average weight of the grains and the average moisture of the grains, the average weight of the grains hectoliter mass and the average weight of the cob with grains and the hectoliter mass values are emphasized. These values frame within the accepted norms of quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental protection has now become a major concern, especially as a result of the significant negative consequences of the economic development promoted since the industrial revolution. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions have a significant negative impact on climate change and lead to an increase in the carbon footprint. The name LIDAR is an acronym for the description of the technology, its full name being "Light Detection and Ranging" broadly translated as "distance measurement by photo detection".Following the registration and export of data, the data of interest were obtained and highlighted at the experimental site, respectively Moldovenești commune, Cluj County, for 19 sites, represented graphically, with transects between 4800 m, rapeseed crop (Brassica napus) and 315 m, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Total transects were obtained for soybeans (Glycine max) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unanimously acknowledged that vineyards are characterized by a wide variety of cultivated varieties, in specific conditions of climate, soil and disease and pest management practices. Pests and diseases are considered to be a constant obstacle to the desired grape production and require complex management approaches. By the experimental period, the phytosanitary treatment scheme I has a superior efficacy, obtaining the lowest averages of the degrees of attack, both for each pathogen studied and for the total degree of attack (23.18%). The highest average of the total attack degree equal to 60.78% is registered in the control variant, while in the experimental variant II an average of the total degree of attack is obtained, lower, equal to 32.78%, but superior the average reported for Experimental Variant II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the growing season sugar beet requires careful care, this crop being affected by many diseases and pests. In general, sugar beet is known as a plant susceptible to a significant number of diseases caused by various pathogens, which requires for agricultural practice the need to know in depth both the symptoms of each disease and the most effective prevention measures. Fall and rot of seedlings is caused by a group of soil fungi (Pythium spp., Phoma betae Fr., Aphanomyces spp. Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani). The action of the above mentioned pathogens depends at great extent on the climatic conditions. Considering the fact that the purpose of plant protection is to keep crops healthy and free of weeds, as one of the main premises of the manifestation of the protection capacity, we can conclude that the objective must be achieved in conditions where the production increase is higher value, than the cost of the measures applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative estimation of the nutrients from plants is often identified using Weende scheme. Thus, it may be applied to the quantitative estimation of the nutrient content of berries. The laboratory samples, after being prepared, are dried in an oven at 60 °C. After drying, the samples are ground using laboratory mills. Those parts that cannot be ground are crushed in a mortar. This laboratory operation must be performed very carefully, so as not to miss anything in the sample. Otherwise, there is a risk of erroneous results. The samples of berries used in the study consist of the species: Ribes nigrum L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., and Vaccinium myrtillus L. Rubus fruticosus L. These were harvested from various regions belonging to the mountainous area of Cluj County. The plant material was dehydrated and stored properly in vials for crude chemical analysis. The highest dry matter content (17.24%) was identified in Ribes nigrum L., while the lowest (12.40%) in Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. The highest protein content (1.50%) was identified in Rubus fruticosus L., while the lowest (0.66%) in Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato, one of the most important vegetable crops in Romania, faces the same problems related to the sustainable management of phytosanitary protection. Based on these premises, it is increasingly necessary to identify unconventional solutions for antifungal and anti-bactericidal treatments applied to potato cultivation. The experiment carried out in 2020 has an organization according to a two-factor scheme, with three repetitions, according to an experimental scheme implemented according to the randomized block method. In the Redsec variety, the interaction between the degree of attack of the fungus, temperature and humidity is of low and medium intensity, with the lowest value for the treatment with 3.3% aqueous solution Allium cepa L. In the Roclas variety, the interaction is of low intensity and average, with the highest values for the experimental variant treated with 2.2% aqueous solution Allium cepa L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study looked at the effectiveness of combating rust and rot in plants of "Tango Dark Red" cultivar of Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton by conventional methods (chemical) and unconventional (organic extracts). Two fertilization solutions, conventional and organic, were considered, as well as a nonfertilized experimental control variant. In all cases, the highest degree of attack corresponds to the lack of phytosanitary treatment, and the lowest to conventional treatment. The study of the results obtained under the conditions of unconventional fertilization shows that regardless of the fertilization variant and even in the case of the non-fertilized control, the most effective treatment is the one performed with Allium sativum L extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of pollutants to the surface of the soil and water can have negative effects on both the subsoil and the groundwater, by infiltration, and on the atmospheric air by the evaporation of compounds from the pollutant, with high volatility. The aim of the present study is to highlight the polluting potential of soil and water resources, as well as to highlight the methodologies for quantifying the identified pollutants. The main methods of quantification are represented by: gravimetry, gas-chromatography, UV and IR spectrometry, to which is added the characterization of the native microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania, maize is one of the most important crops, due to its high productivity and its multiple uses in human food, animal feed and as a raw material in various industries. Three maize hybrids (TURDA 200 from SCDA Turda (FAO 290), KINEMAS from KWS (FAO 370), and OLT from INCDA Fundulea (FAO 450) were studied. The place of the experiment is 30 hectares, each hybrid used occupying 10 hectares. 8.03%. One may find among the studied hybrids, the Kinemas hybrid, which has a productivity of 5400 kg/ha, 85.71% yield, high protein content of 8.03%, and a fat percentage of 3.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing basic nutritional resources has become a necessity worldwide. For this reason, in order to enhance the food supplying chain there is a real need to identify new methodologies, including unconventional ones. Artificial lighting applied to greenhouses is an innovative agricultural technology that fundamentally changes the concept of agriculture. LED lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular with researchers, engineers, biologists and manufacturers., This study aiming to test the effects of red, blue and red/blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) on Phaseolus vulgaris L., was carried out on the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj – Napoca, Department of Engineering and Environmental Protection, during March-April 2021. The Phaseolus vulgaris L. plantules were grown under different light-emitting diode (LED) treatments: red (610-720 nm) light, blue (400-520 nm) light and combination of red with blue, respectively. Data were statistically processed with STATISTICA v 8.0 Office. In the end of the experiment, at 20 days after sowing, we found superior plantules height, and enhanced chlorophyll synthesis, for blue light exposure. We also found better results concerning plantules height and chlorophyll synthesis, for red light exposure, compared with those obtained in natural light. These results suggest the possibility of extending the use of blue and red LEDs light for large scale cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its ornamental qualities, geraniums are a valuable commodity in the horticultural market. They are preferred as houseplants, or balcony plants with an ornamental role for buildings, and in addition to the decorative aspect and due to a good resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions, they are preferred as plants that are part of urban green areas. The aim of the present study is to study the quantitative growth indicators (plant height, number of stems/plant, number of leaves/plant, number of flowers/inflorescence) in the plants of Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton variety "Tango Salmon" (Montevideo) under the influence of experimental factors. The highest averages of plant height (18.90 cm), number of leaves/plant (14.95 leaves) and number of flowers/inflorescence (37.55 flower/inflorescence) correspond to unconventional fertilization, and the highest average number of stems/plant (5.90 stems/plant), correspond to conventional fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trees belonging to the genus Quercus provide a forest population that can be considered dominant for a wide variety of habitats, including forests in subtropical areas, deciduous forests located in temperate areas, or even savannas. The annual analysis of the evolution of timber production from species other than conifers intended for use as biofuel was performed using the raw data collected from the FAO database. The analyzed period was between 1961 and 2020. The study was conducted both in the European Union as a whole and for its component countries ranked in the top five in terms of annual production of wood for use as biofuel, highlighting the annual productions. The European Union has a mean production of wood from species other than conifers used as biofuel, equal to 55,159,162 m³, and for the EU-28 countries ranked in the top five in terms of production, for the whole period 1960 - 2020 the following averages are registered: 3,815,263 m³ for Romania, 6,027,433 m³ for Italy, 6,124,661 m³ for Germany, 17,553,274 m³ for France and 4,027,081 m³ for Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]