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The Asteraceae family (Compositae) contains a multitude of species, over 23,000, spreading all over the globe. The genus Dahlia includes about 42 species, falling into the category of ornamental plants, because the flowers are characterized by a multitude of shapes, sizes and colours. The floral qualities of the species of the Dahlia genus make these plants indispensable in gardens and the decoration of green spaces. In addition to their ornamental qualities, these plants are highly valued for their medicinal qualities and nutritional properties. Although Dahlia tubers have a low caloric value, it is still notable for its high fiber content, especially soluble fiber, such as inulin, but also considerable amounts of minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron). The paper presents studies and research conducted in recent years on the morphological, physiological, biochemical and nutritional properties of species from Dahlia genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes belonging to the genus Paratylenchus are widespread throughout the world and are associated with many plant species. Morphological identification of Paratylenchus species is a difficult task because it relies on many characters with a wide range of intraspecific variation. In this study we provided morphological and molecular characterisation of the species Paratylenchus nanus. In 2019, 5 soil samples were taken from Arge county from different flowering plants to detect and identify phytoparasitic nematodes. Soil samples were taken from the following species of flowering plants: Lilium, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus and Lisianthus. Based on laboratory tests, the nematode Paratylenchus nanus was detected in a soil of Gladiolus plants. Species were identified by morphobiometric analysis and molecular biology. To confirm the species, sequencing and phylogeny analyses were performed. Thus, following this study, we report for the first time, in Romania, the presence of the nematode Paratylenchus nanus, on another host plant, than the one previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the cold season, it is known that the tulip bulbs (Tulipa gesneriana L.), which are specialized underground organ, go through a series of physiological (respiration and transpiration) and biochemical changes (mass loss and total soluble solids). The main purpose of this study is to compare the physiological parameters changes during storage in cold room conditions of ten tulip cultivars (Allegretto, Margarita, Menton Exotic, Lion King, Sensual Touch, Jaap Groot, Marilyn, Indiana, Atlantis, Washington), before and after storage period. The samples were stored in conditions like: T: 1°C and RH: 90%, in the Research Center for Studies of Food Quality and Agricultural Products, of the USAMV Bucharest. From obtained results it was observed decreases with 10% of the mass loss between the initial and the final moment of analyses for Allegretto, Menton Exotic, Sensual Touch cultivars. For respiration rate were observed increases with 25% (for Lion King cv.) up to 6.6 times more (for Menton Exotic cv.) between the initial and final moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work conducted is of great importance both to professional growers and peonies lovers who like to admire them in gardens and parks, because of the method of herbaceous peony propagation that it presents and because of the measurements, observations and determinations made during the research. It is especially important because its outcomes. This experience brings new information regarding peony propagation by different methods. It contributes to the scientific enrichment regarding the culture technology and the propagation of the herbaceous peony through the studies conducted on this method of propagation. It brings in the contributions and benefits of the herbaceous peony cultivators regarding the propagation rate, percentage of rooting, rooting substrate, use of different solutions and rooting substances but also on the peony cultivars that can influence the rooting percentage. The research conducted is of topical importance, especially since the peony flower has a significant and high ornamental value regarding the culture and marketing of peony flowers which is growing on the flower production market, bringing information and solutions to the problems encountered in the culture. and peony marketing. The present research presents some results obtained: the propagation rate is high between 10 seedlings/plant in Kansas cultivar and 26 seedlings/plant in Dorren cultivar; although in this experience the rooting rate was below 30%, this method of propagation cannot be neglected but improved in the future; the method can be recommended with a high propagation rate; from the partial data obtained so far, this method can be recommended in order to propagate the herbaceous peony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first confirmed occurrence in Romania of a significant (notho)population of seven hybrids, Anacamptis x timbali nothosubspecies reinhardii (Ugr. ex E.G. Camus) H. Kretzschmar, Eccarius & H. Dietr., 2007, hybrids between two highly divergent species, Anacamptis coriophora (from Anacamptis coriophora group) and Anacamptis palustris subsp. elegans (from Anacamptis palustris group). The seven hybrids, very likely F1 generation plants representing a single interspecific/intrageneric pollination event, were first studied at Grădiştea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park, Hunedoara County, Romania. The hybrids were phenotypically intermediate between their parental species in most of the 25 morphometric and 41 morphological characters scored, but significantly, they closely resembled Anacamptis palustris subsp. elegans parent. Additionally, pollination studies were performed. Since the parental species occurred in near proximity (at less than 1 meter distance), we suggest that the production of this hybrid required a minimum travel distance of ca 1-10 meters, by the pollinators and frequent exchange of pollen between the parental species was very likely. The parental species A. coriophora and the hybrid, which display a considerable synchronicity in their flowering time, were proved to overlap in pollinator community, very successfully sharing the solitary bees belonging to genus Lasioglossum. The presence of fruits in almost all the hybrids is another proof that they were successfully cross-pollinated. It is clear that even contrasting pollination syndromes such as generalized food deception (in the nectarless Anacamptis palustris subsp. elegans) and generalised food foraging behaviour (in the nectar-producing Anacamptis coriophora) mechanisms are insufficient to fully stop the gene flow between the two species. We set this hybrid population discovery in the context of the recent, expanding evidence of the occurrence of wild species of orchids in Grădiştea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the morphological characteristics of Hosta leaves (leaves area, the perimeter, the length of the leaves, width of leaf, the surface of the dominant colour) and physiological studies (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration and chlorophyll) got from 'T. Rex', 'American halo', 'White feather' and 'Christmas island' varieties of Hosta cultivated in "I. Todor" Botanical Garden within the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. The intensity assessment of the photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration was determined with the LCPro+ device, directly into the experimental field. The intensity of photosynthesis varied between 2.33 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 ('American halo') and 22.08 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 ('Christmas island'), intensity of transpiration 2.54 mmol H2O m-2 sec-1 ('American halo') and 6.12 mmol H2O m-2 sec-1 ('Christmas island'), intensity respiration 2.81 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 ('White feather') and 6.55 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 ('Christmas island'). The intensity of physiological processes varied depending on the light intensity, temperature and species. The photosynthetic pigments content was determined using 80% acetone extraction and by spectophotometry at wavelengths of 470 nm, 663 nm and 646 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Merlinius brevidens is detected and identified in the root systems of the Chrysanthemum flowering plants in a greenhouse from Ploieşti, Prahova, Romania; also other species existent in Romania, namely Merlinius nothus was found and identified in Strelitzia plants in a greenhouse from the same locality. The morphobiometrical characteristics mostly used for the separation of the two species involve the body and stylet length, shape of head, the tail shape, the tail and its type, the number of annules found in the head and tail areas, the position of the vulva (V), and the ratio c' in females case. This is the first report for Romania of Merlinius brevidens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, the greenhouses Hortinvest. In the experiment I followed the influence of some factors on the germination of gerbera seeds. We used 12 types of substrate, V1-100% peat with pH 5.5; V2 - 100% peat with pH 4; V3 - 100% Perlite; V4 - 50% Perlite + 50% peat with 5.5 pH; V5 - 50% Perlite + 50% peat with 4 pH; V6 - 100 vermiculite; V7 - 50% vermiculite + 50% peat with pH 5.5; V8 - 50% vermiculite +50% peat with 4 pH. V9 jiffy seven peat pot; V10- pot with perlite; V11- pot with vermiculite and V12 pot of grodan, I tested the capacity of emergence at seeds stored in different condition. The varieties of gerbera were analized, regarding the percent of emergences and growth rate of the seedlings. The best variants with the highest percentage of seeds emerged were those where we used peat and mixed of perlite and peat with a pH of 5.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was made in greenhouses conditions on three gerbera cultivars, 'Dune', 'Blind Date' and 'Balance'. We analyzed the effect of five type of substrates on growth and flowering of gerbera. The types of substrate used were following: peat is acidic both with pH 4 and with pH 5.5 peat with pH 4, peat with pH 5.5, Perlite, 50% Perlite + 50%, peat with pH 4.0 and 50% Perlite+ 50% peat with pH 5.5. The best results was obtained when we used the substrate 50% Perlite+ 50% peat with pH 5.5 regarding number of flowers, flower height, flower diameter, shoot diameter, showed significant difference among growing media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is of a necessary topicality and is of major importance in that it presents observations and results that contribute to maintaining the flower life in vases for as long as possible, thus helping the herbaceous peony cultivators as cut flowers, flowerings but also people who love this flower for keeping and decorating peony flowers as long as possible. This research study brings to light the results regarding the use of traditional solution recipes in pots water for the longest storage of flowers in pots. The material is represented by cultivars: Festive Maxima, Dorren, Pink Giant, Kansas. In this research, 17 recipe solutions were used to keep flowers in vases. As research methods, biometric measurements, determinations and visual observations were used during the research period. The biometric measurements were made by the following indicators: phenophase in which the buds are; diameter of the buds; diameter of the flower stem; length of flower stems. The visual observations were made by the following indicators: flowering phenophases (semi-open bud, flower opening, total flower opening, flowering completion, petal shaking) and flower vase maintenance (days). Different results were observed regarding the lifetime of the flowers in pots depending on the cultivar used. This resulted in a minimum duration of storage of flowers in pots of 5 days until a maximum duration of storage of flowers in pots of 11 days from the moment of harvesting from the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the time there have been numerous researches on the particularities of growth, flowering, hybridization, fertilization of species, varieties and cultivars of Hosta. The present article presents a brief summary of some research conducted in recent years on Hosta. The purpose of these studies is to evaluate the behavior of Hosta as perennial plants, to identify the different colours of the flowers due to the presence of anthocyanins in the tepals, the presence of volatile oils in flowers, the presence of macro and micro minerals in the leaves, to investigate the possibility of storing the seeds of Hosta, to establish the flowering period, the nectar production and flower pollination. The current review addresses the following issues: Growth, flowering and leaf character variation of Hosta; Anthocyanins of the genus of Hosta and their impacts on tepal colors; Analysis of the variation in scent components of Hosta flower by HS-SPME and GC-MS; Nectar and polen production and insect visitation on ornamentals from the genus Hosta Tratt. (Asparagaceae); Analysis of essential macro-micro mineral content of twelve Hosta taxa. Seed storage longevity of Hosta sieboldiana (Asparagaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchidaceae is the second largest families of flowering plants. There are approximately 900 orchid genera comprising between 28,000-32,000 species of orchids. The relationship between orchids and mankind is complex. The history of orchids' discovery goes hand in hand with the history of humanity, encompassing discovery and adventure, witchcraft and magic, symbolism and occultism, addiction and sacrifice, lust and wealth. Historically, the Chinese were the first to cultivate orchids as medicinal plants, more than 4000 years ago. Gradually, records about orchids spread, reaching the Middle East and Europe. Around 300 B.C., Theophrastus named them for the first time orkhis. In 1737, Carl Linnaeus first used the word Orchidaceae to designate plants with similar features. The family name, Orchidaceae was fully established in 1789, by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu. In 1862, Charles Darwin published the first edition of his book, Fertilisation of Orchids. Darwin considered the adaptations of orchid flowers to their animal pollinators as being among the best examples of his idea of evolution through natural selection. Orchidology was on its way. During the 18th and the 19th centuries, orchids generated the notorious Orchid Fever where orchid-hunters turned the search for orchids into a frantic and obsessive hunt. Ever since, orchids have conquered the world, becoming a much-desired, multibillion-dollar commodity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At worldwide scale, the tendency concerning the indoor decoration with plants is to use some original and functional structures to support them. The design and achievement of the support prototype may have not only an aesthetic role, but also of fixing and providing an optimal substrate, with subsequent implications in plants' growth and development. The chosen support together with different materials such as: moss, peat, tree bark, fragments of twigs or roots with special forms, sand, gravel or other materials arranged in harmony with plant material, amplify the decorative effect of the final product. Selection and association of plants in such structures are essential. These should not be based only on aesthetic principles and the size of individuals, but also on the requirements of plants for environmental factors, very close to the plants' growth rate and development, so they preserve decorative aspect as much as possible. The aim of this research was to conceive and realize the support prototype and then to investigate the behaviour and evolution of some succulent indoor plants regarding their growth and development after installation on support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality and the type of the planting material, the behavior in different conditions of culture, growth and blooming, as well as the appearance of the plant are important elements in choosing the variety and the cultivar or peony for plating in the landscape place. Also, the manner, appearance and duration of blooming, the earliness of the blooming, the aspect of the flower and the duration of the flowers on the plant or in vases are elements that render some qualities in the choice of peony varieties used in parks and gardens. In this paper, we present the results of the research on the influence of the age and size or the plants on the growth and blooming of some cultivars of herbaceous peony. The age of the plants had a major influence on the growth and blooming both in plants over 25 years and in young plants of over 2 years from planting. Likewise, the size of the plants had a different major influence on the growth and blooming both in older plants as well as in younger ones. The age and the size of the studied plants had a major influence also on the potential of reproduction of each studied cultivar. It analyzed the particularities of growth and blooming of the reproduction potential of each studied cultivar. The studied cultivars came from the collection of the University, as well as from the personal collection, having different ages such as 2 years, 4-5 years, 7 years, 8 years and over 25 years as well as various sizes of the ballot of the roots of herbaceous peony, i.e. 15-62 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNEP defines phytoremediation in its Freshwater Management Series no. 2 newsletter as "the efficient use of plants to remove, detoxify or immobilise environmental contaminants in a growth matrix (soil, water or sediments) through the natural biological, chemical or physical activities and processes of the plants". Although multiple studies have been developed for heavy metals contaminated sites, most of the phytoremediation methods include low cost vegetation with minor landscape value. There are a small number of studies which have taken into consideration the landscaping design in the context of urban areas by using ornamental plants for phytoremediation, thus improving both the quality of the natural resources and the urban or industrial landscape of a given area. Integrating site remediation with landscape design is a necessity for remediation cost reduction, urban planning improvement and it may be considered as a measure for improving the companies' social responsibility commitment. The current study aims at identifying the current state of the research and general practice regarding the usage of ornamental plants for phytoremediation of contaminated sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population tends to associate the term of toxicity in urban space exclusively with the pollution. Although pollution has as a counter-effect the existence of as much plants as possible, sometimes plants themselves have toxic parts. The aim of this research was to highlight quantitatively and qualitatively the presence of these species in the parks located in the centre of Bucharest. As a result, it was concluded that there is a worrying number of toxic plant species present in these areas, especially in those more frequented by visitors such as: children playgrounds, resting places and alleys. In addition, plant species with psychotropic effects have been found in all parks studied, some of them toxic enough to present health risks at recreational doses. These could have serious implications in Romania, where the use of new psychoactive substances (NSP) or more generally 'ethnobotanicals', occupies the second place in the top, after cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the nutrition regime is strongly influencing the plant's productive potential. The present work continues with an older theme, with works that have enjoyed a very good international appreciation. The species subject to the observations in this paper was Pittospora tobira, much appreciated for its distinctive decorative qualities. Plants, obtained by knockout, were fertilized with three different products: Osmocote, Almagerol and Atonic. The elements of growth and development of plants were studied and recorded dynamically at the macroscopic and microscopic level. For all the observation series and the monitored elements, the Osmocote fertilizer is strongly influenced. This has led to significant increases in the quantitative aspects of plant organs observed both at macroscopic and microscopic levels. Regarding the qualitative aspects of growth, it was found that Almagerol and Atonic products determined the highest values, especially at microscopic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most known spontaneous species of woody climber, common ivy, it was found to prefer some species more then others as host for its growth and development. Different trees and shrubs from the biggest urban park in Bucharest were investigated to find the presence of spontaneous growth of Hedera helix on their trunks and branches. Seven species of trees and three shrubs were labeled as preferred hosts (100% presence) for Hedera helix, no matter their age or health condition, while four species of trees and nine shrubs were found as totally inconvenient (0% presence) for ivy growth. It was concluded that some species of woody plants create better conditions for Hedera helix to grow as an invasive plant, with considerable repercussions on the plantations management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper refers to the results of the research on the influence of the different planting times of some varieties of herbaceous peony in the field on the blooming and growing. The research was performed in the experimental field of USAMV Bucharest and in the town of Singureni, Giurgiu County. The studies made are based on the data obtained both by visual observation and by biometric measurements on the varieties of herbaceous peony. The biologic material war represented by a variety of herbaceous peony with white flowers, with pink flowers and with red flowers. The data was processed in the following indicators: growth stages (emergence, springing, percentage of shoots starting vegetation, percentage of springs, vegetation rest) and blooming stages (percentage of flower springs, appearance of buds, stages of blooming, percentage of blooming) as well as the dynamics of growth and blooming. There were results related both to the growth and blooming stages and to the dynamics of the growth and blooming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has been focused on the studies on the growth and flowering of some varieties of herbaceous peony under conditions of containerized and forced cultivation. The research was conducted at USAMV Bucharest using as biologic material split bushes with white, pink and red flowers originated from USAMV Bucharest and Singureni, Giurgiu County. The split bushes being planted in pots of 30cm in diameter in autumn in October. After planting, the pots were kept in cold conditions a different number of weeks, after which they have been brought in the greenhouse to be forced. For each of the forced stages, observations have been made, regarding the following phenophases of growing and developing: starting in vegetation, number of sprouts, growth of the sprouts, appearance of the buds, opening of the flowers, fading of the flowers, the flowering time, the flowering percentage. The results obtained show a good behaviour of the herbaceous peony in containerized and forced cultivation, the percentage and the quality of blooming being variable, depending on the variety and the moment of the introduction of the pots in the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelargonium citrosum is much appreciated both due to increased rich and very beautiful appearance of the leaves and the strong scent that exudes the whole plant. It drew this perfume plant called mosquito plant. Recent research has shown, however, that this name is not justified in removing the effect of plant mosquito void. It is clear however that this fragrance because Pelargonium citrosum plants are used not only for decoration but also as a raw material in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical. Getting rich growth of plants and compact to serve both decorative purposes and as a raw material in the industries mentioned above was the objective of our research. The plants were obtained by cutting and then were applied to four different types of fertilizers. Plant growth and development was pursued both by macroscopic biometric measurements (diameter, height and weight of plant, no. of leaves) and microscopic analysis of tissue by incorporation of leaf lamina and petiole. The results of this research show that the highest values of the parameters determined (both macroscopic and microscopic ones) were recorded in the variants which fertilization was applied twice a month and nitrogen have slightly exceeded phosphorus and potassium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These researches highlights the advances made on various aspects of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) tissue culture, including the in vitro culture of underground buds, leaves and petioles, the induction of cluster buds, and callus induction. Tissue culture has the ability of speeding up the rate of propagation, reducing breeding time and meeting the needs of mass production. Problems that are currently being faced in herbaceous peony tissue culture are highlighted and possible viable solutions are provided. More research is needed to make mass production of peony more commercially successful. Optimization of procedures are necessary, from selection of explants, decontamination, screening of medium, application of plant growth regulators (PGRs), induction of callus and shoots, subculture, rooting, and to final transplanting. The major goal of these studies is to evaluate shoot induction ability of peony explants and PGRs. The development of micropropagation methods for peonies is necessary to not only overcome this problem but also accelerate peony breeding progress. Tissue culture is one of the most effective approaches for rapid propagation of plants and is also providing a new approach for plant breeding in crops, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables. Effect of Gelling Agents on Tissue Culture of Herbaceous Peony. Comparison of Basal Medium in Tissue Culture of Herbaceous Peony. Effect of Pretreatment of Underground Buds on Tissue Culture of Herbaceous Peony. Investigation of Callus and Shoot Induction Ability of Flower Tissue. Effect of PPM on Decontamination and Rescue of Explants. Root Induction and Transplanting of Herbaceous Peony In Vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]