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Non-thermal plasma-activated water (PAW) is used in agriculture to decontaminate the seed/grains surface, with possible positive effects on physiological processes. In the present study, PAW was generated in ambient air at atmospheric pressure in eight variants with pH and different doses of reactive species (H2O2, NO3−). We explored the indirect effect of PAW on wheat grains while focusing on genetic material by cytogenetic monitoring. All PAW variants caused clastogenic and aneugenic events of the genetic material, with different intensities, in a dose-dependent manner of reactive species in plasma composition. PAW with the highest doses of H2O2 (13–22 mg/L) and NO3− (49–68 mg/L) at pH 3.8–4.1 decreased the mitotic index the most and induced the most frequent genetic abnormalities, out of which chromosomal bridges and micronuclei were dominant. In correlation with this damage at the nucleus level, the germination rate and root and shoot length of wheat sprouts decreased significantly only in the variants with the highest doses of reactive species. PAW with the lowest doses of H2O2 (1–5 mg/L) and NO3− (8–15 mg/L) at pH 5.5–5.1 induced a much lower cytogenotoxic potential, maintained a germination rate comparable to the control and even significantly stimulated root and shoot length growth. Thus, the effects of PAW depend highly on the dose of reactive species and on pH.

Currently there is a growing interest both in obtaining large agricultural yields in order to provide food for a growing population as well as in increasing the sustainability of production systems by improving the health of the soil. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic versus chemical fertilization versus irrigation on runner bean crop and soil health. A bi-factorial field experiment was organized in a split plot design with three replicates during two years (2019 and 2020). The first factor, irrigation, had two graduations: irrigated with 3000 m 3 ·ha-1 (Ir) and non-irrigated (Non-Ir). The second factor, fertilization, had four graduations: biosolids (1200 kg·ha-1 ) (B), chemical (360 kg·ha-1 ) (Ch), microorganism (80 kg·ha-1 ) (M) and unfertilized (Unfert). The results showed that, regarding the physiological state of the plants, both the photosynthesis and the chlorophyll content were higher at Ir x M (5.31 µmol CO2 m -2 s -2 and 45.23 SPAD units, respectively). The yield of dried beans ranged between 1476-4811 kg·ha-1 in 2019 and 1498-4727 kg·ha-1 in 2020 and was highest for Ir x Ch. Soil health status estimated by determining the dehydrogenase activity in the soil, has been improved for irrigated (Ir) and fertilized (B, M, Ch) variants.

The prospect of replacing traditional chemical fertilization with organic and microorganism-based fertilization meets the current demand for more sustainable cropping systems and healthy food. In this respect, research was carried out to evaluate the effects of the factorial combination between four basil cultivars (‘Aromat de Buzau’, ‘Macedon’, ‘Cuisoare’ and ‘Serafim’) and three types of fertilization, namely chemical fertilization (with a solid chemical fertilizer), organic fertilization (with chicken manure formulate) and microorganisms’ fertilization (with microorganisms formulate), on basil yield, biochemical and physiological parameters and essential oil composition. The results showed that the biometric parameters (plant height, number of stems and leaves and leaf area) were significantly influenced by the cultivar; ‘Macedon’ obtained the highest values of plant height (64.7 cm) and number of stems (20.33) and leaves (618.3) and ‘Serafim’ the largest leaf area (4901.7 cm2 per plant), while the type of fertilization did not affect these parameters. Regarding the biomass, the influence of the cultivar was not significant on fresh biomass but was significant on dry biomass, with ‘Macedon’ showing the highest value (56.4 g·plant−1 dry biomass). The mentioned parameters were significantly influenced by the type of fertilization, with the highest values recorded with chemical fertilization. Both the cultivar and the fertilization type significantly influenced the physiological parameters (the total content of assimilatory pigments and photosynthesis). Five phenolic compounds were quantified from leaf extracts by HPLC-MS (caffeic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and quercitrin). Hyperoside was identified only in ‘Macedon’, while the rest of the compounds were found in all the cultivars and varied depending on the cultivar and fertilization type. Regarding the composition of the essential oil, variation was found depending on the cultivar and fertilization type. In ‘Aromat de Buzau’, the main compounds were methyl chavicol and β-linalool; in ‘Macedon’, geranial and neral; and in ‘Cuisoare’ and ‘Serafim’, β-linalool. Moreover, the PCA showed that the ‘Serafim’ cultivar has exclusive properties compared to the other cultivars. Our results highlight that identifying the most effective interaction between genotype and fertilization type allows to optimize yield and quality targets for sweet basil.

The market request for organic vegetables has grown recently for their positive impact on healthy diets. Consumers have progressively shown preferences for various combinations of color, size, and shape of pepper fruits. Facilitating communication, collaboration, and participation in the selection of cultivars with superior performance, flavor, texture, and culinary attributes can represent a key tool in breeding for nutritional and culinary traits. The current research started from the premise that organic production involves achieving adequate nutritional and culinary quality of pepper fruits. The study was conducted to investigate traits related culinary quality of pepper genotypes, especially in the ripening phase of fruits, to select the best resources with a high antioxidant content for breeding programs. The biological material represented by nine genotypes of sweet pepper was cultivated in the open fields during 2019 and 2020 at the experimental stations of the Vegetable Research Development Station of Bacau and of Iasi University of Life Sciences. Agricultural practices and intensive breeding focused on yield and stress tolerance have indirectly led to a reduction in the nutrition and flavor of the produce. Complex approaches, including screening of consumer preferences, phenotyping, and use of modern genomics and analytical chemistry tools in breeding, together with participatory farmer-breeder-chef-consumer collaborations, can represent a strategy to facilitate the development of the next generation of crops aimed to meet the growing demands of safe and nutritionally vegetables featured by culinary standards as good flavor, color, and texture.

Quinoa is an Andean grain known for its gluten-free grains, which are used as a functional food. The aim of this research was to study the possibility of introducing quinoa as a vegetable crop grown for young leaves as a source of polyphenols and phytosterols. To achieve this goal, a field experiment was performed with three quinoa cultivars (Titicaca, Puno, and Vikinga) grown in a split plot design. The experimental factors included three densities (160, 320, and 760 plants·m−2) and two harvest dates (52 and 62 days after sowing (DAS)). The content of phytosterols (ergosterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol) and polyphenols (ferulic acid, isoquercitrin and rutozid) in quinoa leaves were determined by HPLC method. The phytosterol content varied within the limits: ergosterol 0–7.62 µg·100 g−1 dw, stigmasterol 79.9–175.3 µg·100 g−1 dw, β-sitosterol 425.7–623.1 µg·100 g−1 dw and campesterol 0–5.25 µg·100 g−1 dw. Ferulic acid varied greatly from 38.0 to 63.3 µg·g−1 dw, isoquercitrin ranged from 63 to 101.6 µg·g−1 dw and rutozid varied widely from 32.9 to 162.8 µg·g−1 dw. The total phytosterols and the total phenolic compounds decreased with decreasing plant number density and DAS. This research demonstrated that young quinoa leaves are a good source of phytosterols and phenolics for human consumption.

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg·100 g−1 FW. In contrast, the content in β-carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg·100 g−1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system.

Conventional management of sweet pepper is based on farming practices characterized by the use of chemicals with harmful environmental impact. In order to investigate innovative production, research was carried out in order to assess the effects of two pepper cultivars (‘Brillant’ and ‘Yolo Wonder’) in combination with four farming systems (Conventional control-C; Conventional with microorganism-enriched fertilization-CMF; Organic control-O; Organic with microorganism-enriched fertilization-OMF) on plant physiological parameters, yield and fruit quality. Conventionally grown plants showed higher values of assimilatory pigments and of photosynthetic rate compared to the Organically ones. The CMF resulted in the highest early and total yield, followed by the OMF, due to higher fruit number. Higher values of carotenoids, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were recorded in ‘Yolo Wonder’ red fruits compared to ‘Brillant’ yellow berries. The highest total polyphenols concentration was recorded under the CMF, whereas OMF resulted in the highest flavonoids concentration and antioxidant activity.

Medicinal and aromatic crops are economically important because they are sources for secondary metabolites such as essential oils (EOs) and polyphenolic compounds. High biomass yields are obtained by conventional chemical fertilizers, whereas the production of EOs is more influenced by elicitors that act on secondary metabolic pathways. The objective of the field trials was to evaluate the effects of biologic and conventional fertilizers (biosolids: 40 and 20 t ha−1, organic: 600 kg ha−1, microorganisms (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF): 60 kg ha−1, chemical NPK 20-20-20: 300 kg ha−1) on plant growth, EO chemical profile and yield, and physiology of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The two sweet basil cultivars (varieties) used were the green-leafed ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and the purple-leafed ‘Violet de Buzau’. The greatest increases in fresh yields compared with unfertilized plants, 116% and 68% increases for the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and ‘Violet de Buzau, respectively, were obtained from the conventionally (chemical) fertilized plants. The 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment increased the EO content of the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ by 30%, while the AMF and organic treatments increased the EO content of the ‘Violet de Buzau’ by 21%. The major constituents of ‘Aromat de Buzau’, methyl chavicol and β-linalool, were increased by 4 and 17% with the AMF and organic treatments, respectively. Eucalyptol and δ-guaiene concentrations in the EO were higher in the 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment, while τ-cadinol and γ-cadinene were higher in the 20 t ha−1 biosolids treatment. For ‘Violet de Buzau’, the AMF treatment led to an increase of β-linalool, limonene, and (+)-camphor, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The organic treatment increased the concentrations of limonene, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, and β-caryophyllene, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The highest concentration of methyl chavicol was observed in the chemical fertilizer treatment. The 20 and 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatments led to highest yields of eucalyptol, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and τ-cadinol. The results demonstrated that conventional fertilizers can increase fresh yield while biological fertilizers positively alter the EO composition, leading to increased crop quality.

The strawberry is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant, sensitive to iron deficiency. The iron deficiency represents a nutritional disorder, leading to a decreased content of photosynthetic pigments, which determines the yellow color characteristic of chlorotic leaves. Therefore, in calcareous soils, the use of synthetic iron chelate is often mandatory in strawberry cultivation. The employment of novel microorganism-based formulations as alternatives to the use of iron chelates, was evaluated during strawberry cultivation by monitoring the morpho-biometric parameters, chlorophylls, the iron content in leaves and roots, and the Fe chelate reductase activity involved in absorption of iron during the chlorosis event in plants using the strategy I. The experimental design envisaged growing strawberry seedlings on an inert substrate (pumice), irrigated with Hoagland solution iron-free, with a 12 h photoperiod. After 42 days, at the first appearance of chlorosis symptoms, plants were transplanted into a calcareous soil, and after seven days, they were treated, by a single application, with a microorganism-based formulations (MBF), an inoculum (In) of Trichoderma spp. and Streptomyces spp., or Sequestrene (Sq). Strawberry plants were sampled and analyzed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 days from the treatments. The results showed that microorganism-based formulations positively affected the strawberry seedlings, by reducing the chlorosis symptoms, producing comparable effects to the Sequestrene treatment.

Chili, one of the most cultivated plants in the world, from the genus Capsicum sp., has great importance both in human nutrition and in the pharmaceutical industry. This study provides detailed information on the impact of chili crop fertilization on the production and accumulation of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. During the vegetation period, 235 kg∙ha−1 NPK (chemical—Ch), 270 kg∙ha−1 NPK (organic—O) and 250 kg∙ha−1 NPK (mixed—Ch + O) fertilizers were applied on six varieties of chili pepper (De Cayenne, Traian 2, Turkish, Sigaretta di Bergamo, Jovial and Chorbadjiiski), all versions were compared with the control (Ct). The determination of capsaicinoid compounds from chili pepper samples was done using high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC-UV/VIS. The chili pepper plants reacted differently according to the fertilizers used, both in terms of the production and accumulation of capsaicinoids. The highest production was obtained for the case of mixed treatments in all cultivars, with the highest production being found for Sigaretta di Bergamo (40.61 t∙ha−1). The capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content was influenced by both the type of fertilizer used and the variety of chili pepper. The accumulation of capsaicinoids in the chili fruits was found to be dependent on cultivar and fertilization management, higher amounts of capsaicinoids were found to accumulate in the fruits of the Chorbadjiiski variety treated with chemicals (0.83 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.53 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin) compared with the amounts found for untreated De Cayenne (0.52 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.33 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin).

Fertigation is considered an efficient alternative to the enhanced use of chemical fertilizers. Since most of the fertigation systems rely on a theoretical electrical conductivity value of the nutrient solution, we tried to evaluate if this is the real need of the plants as well as if all the nutrients are needed at once. Therefore, we analyzed the electrical signals of the nutrients applied individually or in different mixes, correlating the electrical signals with the leaf gas exchange processes, studying the relation between the electrical signals and different plant phenological stages and the influence of the treatments on the lycopene content, nutritional composition, and antinutritional factors as well as the mineral bioavailability of tomato fruits cv. Brillante F1. The study was carried out in a greenhouse under controlled conditions. Ten different treatments consisting of MaEs (major elements) (V1&mdash, MgSO4, V2&mdash, KNO3, V3&mdash, K2SO4, V4&mdash, Ca(NO3)2, V5&mdash, KH2PO4, V6&mdash, KCl, V7&mdash, MgSO4 + KNO3 + KH2PO4, V8&mdash, K2SO4 + Ca(NO3)2 + KCl, V9&mdash, the mix of V1 to V6, commonly used in agricultural practices, V10&mdash, one nutrient each day) were applied daily when plants were 42 days old. The results showed that the values of the electrical signals varied depending on the treatment and the plant phenological stage. Five different trends of the electrical signals were identified. In addition, the shape of the signals varied during the day in accordance with the photosynthesis and the amount of CO2 registered. The results of the treatments&rsquo, influence on the nutritional composition and lycopene content of tomato fruits suggested that plants do not need all the nutrients at once, the highest values are registered for K2SO4 fertilization. However, this fertilizer also had the highest registered tannin, saponin, and trypsin inhibitors content, constituting a disadvantage considering the high nutritional values and lycopene content. Regarding the bioavailability of zinc, calcium, and iron for the human diet, regardless of the treatment applied, phytic acid did not affect the availability of zinc and calcium, but it had a negative impact on iron availability, also, the amount of oxalate could impair the bioavailability of calcium. The study suggests that tomato plants do not need all nutrients at once for quality fruits. However, further studies are needed in order to develop a fertigation scheme based on a smart nutrient use that provides an improved nutritional composition and mineral bioavailability. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of treatments on yield.

Sprouts are very rich in antioxidants (e.g. phenolic compounds) and their consumption is beneficial for humans’ health. The sprouts’ antioxidant properties are correlated to conditions of growth and maturity stage. The present study reveals the influence of maturity stage (5-, 7- and 9-day-old) and two sodium salts, NaCl and Na2SO4 (10 mM and 100 mM) on the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of cauliflower and broccoli sprouts. The analysed sprouts’ extracts were obtained in two phases, using ethanol 70% with 0.01% hydrochloric acid. In the case of cauliflower, the 7 days germination leads to the highest total phenolic content and radical scavenging capacity. Broccoli sprouts revealed the most enhanced DPPH radical scavenging capacity and total phenolic content at 5-day-old. The two sodium salts, generally, had positive effects on global antioxidant status. It is highlighted both for broccoli and cauliflower, the stimulating effect of 100 mM Na2SO4 on the total phenolic content and soluble dry weight, but the DPPH radical scavenging activity was more important in the case of NaCl, than Na2SO4 treatments, except for cauliflower sprouts treated with 100 mM Na2SO4. In conclusion, germination under adequate salt stress is a protocol to be considered in order to improve antioxidant properties of broccoli and cauliflower sprouts, despite the non-convenient effects on the germination and sprouts growth. Further researches are needed to optimize the level and time periods of such treatments.

Field experiments were conducted two consecutive years, in order to investigate runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) cultivated in pure crop system and in intercropping system. To achieve the desired aim, we set the following objectives: study of runner bean plant phenology, study of assimilating pigments content in the runner bean leaves, agro productivity study of runner bean crop, yield of runner bean crop, study of chemical composition of runner bean dry seeds. The studied experimental factor was the trellis system with six variants: (V1) - trellis, with double rows, on individual string, (V2) - trellis, with a single row, on individual string, (V3) - trellis, in a single row, on synthetic net (17 cm mesh), (V4) - intercropping with common maize plants, (V5) - intercropping with sunflower plants, (V6) - intercropping with Jerusalem artichoke plants. Runner bean yield ranged from 3,610 kg ha-1 (V2) to 1,684 kg ha-1 (V6) (first year) and from 3,170 kg ha-1 (V2) to 1,189 kg ha-1 (V6) (second year). Runner bean dry seeds contain: crude protein 22.65% (V6) - 25.47% (V3), crude fat 1.91% (V6) - 2.16% (V4), crude fibre 5.41% (V4) - 5.81% (V5) and nitrogen free extractive substances 62.11% (V3) - 64.92% (V4). The best variant of trellis for runner bean crop was the single row trellis system on individual string and the best intercropping system was intercropping with sunflower.

Salinity and alkalinity are two of the main causes for productivity losses in agriculture. Quinoa represents a better alternative for global food products such as rice and wheat flour due to its high nutritional value and abiotic stress tolerance. Three cultivars of quinoa seeds (Titicaca, Puno andVikinga) originating from Denmark were used in the experiments. The seeds were germinated under the action of three different salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, Na2CO3) at 0&ndash, 300 mM for five days and the germination rate was calculated. Biometric measurements (radicle and hypocotyls lengths) andbiochemical determinations (proline) were performed in order to quantify the tolerance and the effects of salt and alkali stresses on the three quinoa cultivars. The germination rates showed that all cultivars were affected by the presence of salts, especially at 300 mM. The most sensitive cultivar to salts was Titicaca cultivar which evinced the lowest germination rate, regardless of the salt and the concentration used. On the other hand, Puno and Vikinga cultivars showed the best tolerance to the saline and alkaline stresses. Among the salts used, Na2CO3 had the most detrimental effects on the germination of quinoa seeds inhibiting the germination by ~50% starting with 50 mM. More affected was the growth of hypocotyls in the presence of this salt, being completely inhibited for the seeds of the Puno and Titicaca cultivars. Vikinga cultivar was the only one able to grow hypocotyls at 50 and 100 mM Na2CO3. Also, this cultivar had a high adaptability to NaCl stress when significant differences were observed for the germination rates at 200 and 300 mM as compared to 0 mMNaCl, due to the proline production whose content was significantly greater than that of the untreated seeds. In conclusion, the tolerance of the three quinoa cultivars to saline and alkali stress varied with the salt type, salt concentration and tested cultivar, with the Vikinga and Puno cultivars showing the best potential for growing under saline conditions.

The plastic mulch has raised a disposal issue, which has been diverting the research focus on biodegradable film as an alternative. Research was carried out in southern Italy in 2016&ndash, 2017 and 2017&ndash, 2018 in order to assess the effects of three crop cycles (autumn-winter, winter, spring) in factorial combination with three soil mulching types (a MaterBi biodegradable black film, a brown photoselective low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, a black-standard LDPE film) and a non-mulched control, on leaves yield, quality and antioxidants of greenhouse grown Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C. The spring cycle was the shortest and best enhanced plant growth and yield. The non-mulched control caused an 11% yield reduction compared to the mulching treatments average (12.4 t ha&minus, 1). The soil temperature was highest under photoselective and standard LDPE films. The Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index was 17.4% higher in the leaves grown in mulched soil. Winter season and biodegradable mulch led to higher leaf dry residue and organic acids. Leaf nitrate content was highest in winter and under mulching. The spring cycle, the biodegradable and photoselective LDPE film resulted in the highest antioxidant compound content and activity. The biodegradable polymer improved leaf quality, showing suitable features for sustainable production.

Nutrient consumption by plants depends on the growth stage and environmental conditions. In general, plants take up species of elements at different speeds. We monitored and recorded the electrical charge flow through xylem sap of tomato plants (Brillante F1) using femto/picoammeter equipment (Keysight B2981A). This technique evaluates the nutrient uptake of tomato treated with the most common macronutrients (KNO3, KH2PO4, Ca(NO3)2, KCl) by monitoring the electrical conductivity for 24 h. The electrical conductivity of each treatment correlated with the plant growth and development stages. The results showed that the tomato plants had a high consumption of nutrients in the vegetative stage, while in other stages, they had a specific consumption, like phosphorus for bulb formation, potassium for increasing the number of flowers and water for the ripening of fruits. The quantitative evaluation of the ions absorbed by the plant was based on the magnitude and shape of the electrical conductivity curves. Our technique is an efficient method to determine nutrient consumption and is useful in predicting the deficiency of a certain element in tomato plants.

The tomato industry has been searching for new genotypes with improved fruit production, both in the field and industrially processed, together with high-quality performance under sustainable management conditions. This research was carried out in Southern Italy with the aim of assessing the effects of industrial processing on the yield and quality of four tomato hybrids grown according to organic farming methods and addressed at dicing. MAX 14111 and HMX 4228 showed the highest values of field and processing yield as well as reduced sugars and fructose. MAX 14111 had the highest values of total solids and soluble solids, titratable acidity, fiber, energetic value, polyphenols, and also rutin, though not significantly different from Impact. HMX 4228 performed best in terms of sugar ratio, color and naringenin. Concerning the diced products, the sensorial qualities of the four hybrids differed significantly. Total polyphenols, naringenin and rutin in the tomato fruits were higher in the processed than in the raw product. The appreciable fruit yield and quality resulting from both field and processing phase represent a promising perspective for identifying improved tomato genotypes addressed at dicing.

The development of organic farming as a result of increasing consumer preference for organic food has led to the development and registration of new pest-control products for certified organic production. In this study, the effects of three biocontrol products containing spores and mycelium of Arthrobotrys oligospora—Artis®, Beauveria bassiana—Bora®, and Coniothyrium minitans—Öko-ni® were tested on four basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars: ‘Aromat de Buzau’, ‘Serafim’, ‘Macedon’ and ‘Cuisoare’. The application of Öko-ni® increased basil yields by 8% relative to Control. The application of Bora® increased chlorophyll content of basil leaves by 2% and the activity of photosynthesis by 66% relative to the Control. Basil essential oil (EO) content was increased by 18% with the application of Artis® and by 34% with the application of Bora® and Öko-ni®, respectively. The content of phenolic compounds analyzed by HPLC varied, caffeic acid concentration was higher in the plants treated with Öko-ni®, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and rutin concentrations were higher in those treated with Artis®, while the quercitrin content was higher in Bora®-treated plants. The two main EO constituents that were identified were linalool and methyl chavicol in ‘Aromat de Buzau’, linalool and eugenol in ‘Serafim’, neral and geranial in ‘Macedon’, also linalool and eugenol in ‘Cuisoare’. The investigated myco-biocontrol products had positive effects on basil fresh biomass and EO content and also influenced the content of phenolic compounds.

Unconventional fertilizers can act as elicitors to encourage the synthesis of phyto-pharmaceuticals in aromatic plants. In the present research, the effects of factorial combination between two red basil cultivars, &lsquo, Opal&rsquo, and &lsquo, De Buzau&rsquo, and four fertilization types, biosolids, organic, microorganisms and chemical, plus an unfertilized control, were assessed on fresh and dry yield, biometrical parameters, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and antioxidant compounds and activity. Chemical fertilization increased fresh yield compared with the control, with no difference in organic and microorganism fertilization regarding dry weight. &lsquo, enhanced the number of lateral stems and plant height, the latter being better affected by chemical and microorganisms compared to the control. Chemical fertilization showed the highest leaf dry matter, nitrate content and SPAD, whereas the control showed the lowest. Compared to the unfertilized control, biosolids increased total phenolics in &lsquo, microorganisms, organic and biosolids enhanced total flavonoids in &lsquo, with the same effect under microorganisms and organic treatments in &lsquo, Total anthocyanins showed the highest content in &lsquo, under organic fertilization. The highest antioxidant activity in the basil extracts was detected under microorganisms and organic applications in &lsquo, The present investigation results demonstrate that unconventional fertilizers increase the synthesis of antioxidants and represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilization for growing red basil.

In Romania, as in many other countries, white cabbage is one of the most important vegetable crop species. The experiment was performed in the NE of the country during 2008-2009 in order to measure the impact of cultivar choice and pest control techniques on organic white cabbage [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. capitata f. alba (D.C.)]. This experiment included early, summer and autumn crops. The early crop compared four cultivars, the summer crop two cultivars, and the autumn crop three cultivars. The effect of various common organic pest control techniques was also measured. These techniques included: treatments with extract from neem (Azadirachta indica), potassium soap, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki toxins, application of a parasitic wasp (Trichogramma evanescens) and covering the crop with an agrotextile. Data were collected regarding the effect of cultivar selection and pest control technique on common local cabbage pests: cabbage flea beetle (Phyllotreta atra), cabbage fly (Delia brassicae), cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae). The highest yields for each respective growing season were obtained using the following combinations: Flavius agrotextile (early crop), Copenhagen Market agrotextile + 4 lha-1 azadirachtin + 12104 wasps/ha (summer crop) and Buzau 4 lha-1 azadirachtin (autumn crop).