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Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter lemon, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is a versatile herb cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its distinctive appearance and bitter taste, it stands out as one of the most nutritious gourds. Numerous studies have highlighted its antimicrobial properties against soilborne pathogens and inhibitory effects on human pathogens. Additionally, the plant contains compounds known to repel insect pests. In Romania, M. charantia has been successfully acclimatized at the Vegetable Research and Development Station in Buzău, leading to the development of two cultivars: Rodeo and Brâncuși. Over a span of fifteen years, this plant has demonstrated resilience, remaining free from diseases and pests that could compromise its yield. However, during the vegetation period of 2023, a notable exception occurred as researchers identified an infestation of Helicoverpa armigera in the fruit crop. Intriguingly, this pest has not been previously reported in association with bitter gourd worldwide. The existing literature does contain studies on the inhibitory effects of M. charantia compounds against H. armigera, but this case study demands further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili peppers is an important vegetable and spice crop grown all over the world for fresh, dried, and processing products. Capsicum spp. is a member of the Solanaceae family and native to the temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctive descriptors of the Capsicum genus, showcasing images sourced from the germplasm collection at the Vegetable Research Development Station (VRDS) Buzau, Romania. The paper focuses on morphological features as the key basis for differentiation among the domesticated Capsicum species: C. annuum L., C. chinense Jacq., C. frutescens L., C. baccatum L. și C. pubescens Ruiz & Pav. Various descriptors, such as flower and fruit shapes, corolla color, corolla sport color, the presence or absence of calyx annular constriction, and seed colour, are employed to provide a nuanced understanding of the unique characteristics of each species. By elucidating these morphological features, the paper aims to empower readers to easily distinguish between different Capsicum varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French beans are one of the most consumed vegetables in Romania, especially during fasting periods, but also worldwide, knowing that it has an important nutritional value. Due to its high protein content, many people who want to adopt an animal protein-free diet resort to eating bean-based foods. In the present study, four french bean genotypes were analyzed that showed differences in color, seed size and weight, but most importantly in taste. From these, a control variety was chosen that presented white seeds, more precisely the 'Doina' variety, a variety approved by VRDS Buzau in 2020. Tastings were carried out followed by the completion of opinion polls, which found that the genotype preferred by consumers was the L3 genotype, a genotype that presents seed of red color. The purpose of this article was to find out if consumers are open to eating beans of a different color than the classic white. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pisum sativum also known as garden peas is one of the major food legumes that can grow in different regions, and it ranks the fourth in world food legume productions next to soybean, peanut, and dry bean. At Vegetable Research Development Station Buzau, a new breeding program of peas has started and 15 stable accessions were taken into study. The focus of the present study was to evaluated the yield potential and the best suited sown decade for 15 peas accessions. The crops were severely affected by excessive rainfall, (in May and June) which however, it was found that the accessions sown in the first decade had higher yields compared to the accessions in the second decade, both at green peas maturity and at physiological maturity. Thus, the lowest value for weight of 1000 grains was at A11 with 212.04 g, and the highest was obtained by A1 with 455.25g. In terms of yield potential, it was noted that A8 had the lowest value/sqm (102.01 g), and A10 was the accession with the highest weight/sqm (295.53 g), at physiological maturity. A9 was the earliest accession, followed by A1, and the latest accessions were A6 and A7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main tasks of the breeding programs is introduction of new vegetables crops in order to provide vegetable diversity to the growing population. At Vegetable Research Development Station Buzau, Romania, Cucumis metuliferus has been acclimatized and today seedlings and seeds of 'Tempus' variety can be sold. Kiwano, it has multiple health benefits and plays an important role in supporting diverse and nutritious diets. But the fruit is not well known and is underutilised, due to the lack of promotion. Hence, the goal of this study was to investigate the consumer preference and also to popularize the fruit to a large scale of people. In our survey we have investigated a number of 57 respondents, aged between 18 and over 45 years. From our results, 51 people are opened to include the kiwano fruit in their diets. Also, a percentage of 85.9% from our respondents are interested in growing the jelly melon. It can be concluded that kiwano has a great commercial potential and, aimed at certain markets, could be an excellent source of cash for small farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the climate change scenario, growing adequate food is a major challenge for food security. To provide food to the population, introduction of new vegetable crops and extending newer assortments are important tasks of breeding programs. One of the recently acclimatized species in Romania by VRDS Buzau is Benincasa hispida, a multi-purpose and nutritious vegetable. In this study, a consumers preference survey was conducted to inform local smallholder farmers, traders and other stakeholders on opportunities for expanding production and commercialization of Benincasa hispida. Three genotypes of wax guard, G1, G2, G3 were taken into study. Data was collected from 57 participants aged between 16 and over 45 years from urban and rural areas. Results indicated that 43 participants were interested to eat the fruit due to its nutritional properties. Consumers are also interested in growing winter melon because this crop is easy to grow. Of the three genotypes tasted, G1 was preferred by participants, followed by G3 and G2. G1 variety was registered in the Official Catalogue of Romanian Crop Plants, under the name of Zefir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benincasa hispida, known as winter melon, name inspired by the fruit shape similar to melon and also to the fact that fruits are kept very well after harvest, over winter time. The Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory from VRDS Buzău has taken into study this species after year 1996. The research began with purchase of genetic material from various area of origin, followed by acclimatization of the species. After year 2005, valuable genotypes have been subject to intensive breeding work and the research completed so far with obtaining of three genotypes (G1, G2, G3) with distinct phenotypic expressiveness, especially in terms of fruit shape and size. G1 has elongated, cylindrical, rounded fruits at both ends, with an average fruit mass of 3.39 kg; G2 has round fruits, slightly ovoid, with an average fruit mass of 8.77 kg; G3 has large, round fruits with a pronounced depth on the top and with an average fruit mass of 14.42 kg. The G1 genotype has been proposed for patenting and from 2021 it will be registered in the Official Catalogue of Românian Crop Plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Maura 2000' climbing bean cultivar was obtained at VRDS Buzau and patented in 2015. The cultivar was introduced into the culture and submitted to the conservative selection program in order to restrict the variability of the main characters, correlated with increasing production quality and productivity. 'Maura 2000' shows indefinite growth, a vigorous stem, with a linear appearance that has 4-6 main branches and a height between 2-2.6 m. In greenhouses, the height increases significantly. The stem and foliage are medium green, the flowers are white - yellow grouped 8-10 in raceme, linear, arranged in pairs. The pods are yellow, slightly pearly, have a length between 18-22 cm, width 1.8-2 cm and a thickness of 0.5-0.7 cm. They are straight, slightly arched towards the top. The pods forms threads late, after the optimal harvest period has passed. The seeds are medium-sized, single-colored, white, kidneyshaped. MMB = 355,654. The aim of the study was to present the phenotypic expressiveness of the main characters manifested by the cultivar in the fields of conservative selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous species have been acclimatized and bred at VRDS Buzau, among which special results have recently been obtained for Sideritis scardica, also known as Mursalski chai. After completing the acclimatization stage, the valuable genotypes were subjected to intensive breeding works, obtaining six genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressiveness. During the vegetation period, biometric, phenological and biochemical observations were performed, applying the same crop technology for all studied genotypes. The results showed visible differences in terms of phenotypic expressiveness of the main characters. Regarding the weight of the inflorescence and the number of inflorescence/plant, G1 ranks first with an average value of floral mass of 790 g/plant, and G5 has the highest leaf mass value with an average value of 1198 g/plant, while G2 has the most intense fragrance on all vegetative aerial parts. All six genotypes showed genetic stability and uniformity in descent. In 2019, G1 genotype was patented and registered in the Official Catalog of Crop plant varieties from Romania under the name 'Domnesc' cultivar and used in this study as control variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pisum sativum belongs to Fabaceae family and is especially appreciated for its nutritional qualities. According to FAO statistics from 2019, in the world green peas are cultivated on relatively large areas. The highest yield of world production was obtained in Asia followed by Europe and USA with lower percentage. In Romania, only 2430 ha of garden peas are cultivated and the assortment of cultivars is quite limited. At VRDS Buzău, a breeding program has started and currently 15 stable accessions are being studied. This study presents preliminary results on the behaviour of improved accession. According to UPOV descriptors, it was observed that the accessions show distinct phenotypic expressiveness, with types of flowers varying from white to pink, with pods having a length ranging from 6.43 to 13.4 cm and weight of 10 pods differs from 41.8 to 84.8 g. The coefficient of variations exceeds 35%, which indicates that there is a large variability among studied accessions. The study will continue with selection work of genotypes that have distinct results and high ecological plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable Research Development Station Buzau is known as an important research centre for acclimatizing and breeding vegetables in Romania. The climate is changing due to numerous factors and is crucial to adapt new species in different areas in order to explore the wonderful world of plants. Trichosanthes cucumerina L. also known as snake gourd and long tomato is grown for consumption and also for various medicinal uses, but some other aspects are still unexplored. Snake guard is studied at VRDS Buzau from 2010 and is a monoecious annual herb climbing with over 5-6 meters high. The plant is vigorous, with many (12-16) slender stems. The male flowers are arranged in raceme and the female are solitary. The fruits are long, over 2 m, at physiologically maturity, but usually for fresh consumption the fruits are harvested at 50-100 cm long. The fruits can be consumed when immature, as it gets a bitter taste with age. The studies have completed so far with patenting of a new cultivar according DUS test, suitable for growing in greenhouse and field, conventional and organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Genetic, Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory from Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau has a valuable germplasm collection of hot peppers consisting in 287 genotypes, structured on 3 groups according to their genetic stability. The aim of this study was to assess 15 accessions with distinct phenotypic expressivity in terms of fruit shape, weight and colour. A great variability was observed at physiologically maturity in fruit colour passing from yellow, orange, different shades of red or brown. The fruits have distinct shapes like cherry type, elongated, angular, campanulate or blocky type. The fruit mass varies between 0.42 g (A270) to 65.29 g (A282). In order to establish the quality of fruit, the firmness, dry matter and total soluble solids content were measured at both maturity stages. The studied accessions represent valuable genotypes and will be subject to intensive breeding work. In this context, each genotype will be structured for different direction of use such as: chilli powder, fresh consumption, ornamental purposes or for pharmaceutical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pedo-climatic conditions of Romania are favorable for bean cultivation, one of the reasons that, in past, field beans used to occupy large areas in Romania. Although it is a plant that can offer high economic profit to the growers and is a good precursor for other vegetable plants due to nitrogen accumulation, the field bean it's no longer sought and used at its maximum potential as a crop plant. Since 1996, Vegetable Research Development Station (V.R.D.S.) Buzău has been revive the researches in beans, realizing until now a valuable collection of germplasm, grouped by types of growth and directions of use. For this research, three stable genotypes of field bean group were studied. The genotypes showed distinct variability in plant height, the highest value being 61.83 cm (A3) and the smallest value being 38.8 cm (A1). Slightly differences were also registered by the number of pods per plant. The studies have been completed with the registration of the genotype A2 for patenting and approval under the name of "Doina" and the other two genotypes will be proposed for approval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perilla frutescens originates in Asia and is widely grown in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and India. China is considered to be the center of origin; therefore, in some areas of Asia, Perilla Nanking or Sisho is considered a sacred plant. In Europe, Perilla sp. has entered rather late, appreciated for its economic properties, and used for its oils or as an ornamental plant, although, it occupies quite small areas.In Romania, the plant was studied after 2010 by the Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory Buzau, obtaining three genetically stable genotypes from which two genotypes are the subject of this work. The genotypes taken in the study were phenotypically analysed, while biochemical laboratory analyses were also performed. Regarding the content of volatile oil, there were no differences between genotypes (0.4 mL/kg), while the content in total polyphenols has variations from 3.94 to 6.26%; the contents in flavones ranged from 1.19% to 0.49, and the content in pectin also varied from 7.68 to 11.29%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long ago, the Jerusalem artichoke was grown on large areas and almost all households had areas allocated to this crop. Over time, it was gradually removed ending up endangered. The Jerusalem artichoke was called turnip by the Romanian peasants, a mistake later rectified by Romanian specialists demonstrating that it belongs to the Asteraceae family, while the turnip belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory included the Jerusalem artichoke in its research in 1996, achieving a rich collection of genotypes, three of which have been approved and have distinct phenotypic characteristics: L1 (Olimp) shows white tubers, rich foliage mass composed of stems taller than 3 m; L2 (Rare ş ) has brown pink tubers, rich foliage mass and heights over 3 m; L3 (Dacic) has pink tubers, reduced foliage mass and stems shorter than 80 cm. During the vegetation period, phenological and biometric determinations were performed. Genotypes L1, L2 and L3 were physical-chemically analysed in the laboratory: the protein content was 1.1% in L1, 1.34% in L2 and 1.42% in L3 and cellulose content ranged from 0.9% in L1 to 0.98% in L3 and 0.99% in L2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthaceae family has a valuable number of over 600 species, but in Romania is not so much cultivated. The plant has multiple uses: decorative, food, medicinal and energetic, but also is a weed in the wild flora. VRDS Buzau, through Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory, has shown more interest for this plant, realizing until now a valuable germplasm collection. In this study were selected 11 genotypes of Amaranthus from the germplasm collection. The research aimed was to study the adaptability to the pedoclimatic conditions in south of Romania and analysing the agronomic traits. The agro-morphological characters were statistically analysed and significant differences were found in the diameter of the bush, the length of the panicle, as well as the number of main branches. The genotypes had different types of the inflorescences, thus 9.1% were semi-drooping, completely drooping 36.5% and straight inflorescences 54.4%.The colour of the inflorescence also had variations from light green to dark pink. In conclusion, V.R.D.S. has a large variety of genotypes in this species and the research will continue by enriching the germplasm collection in order to obtain new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physalis sp. is widely cultivated in South America, but little known and cultivated plant in Romania, although varieties belonging to the species are found in wild flora. The aim of this paper was to assess agronomic traits with emphasis on the phenotypic expressiveness of the accessions in terms of yield, quality and earliness production. The research consisted in agronomic evaluation of seven genotypes of Physalis (P. peruviana, P. ixocarpa, P. philadelphica and P. alkekengi) and the selection of valuable genotypes suitable for cultivation under the pedoclimatic conditions of the southern part of Romania. The study targeted 30 qualitative descriptors and 16 quantitative descriptors subjected to ANOVA analysis. A percentage of 67% of the studied genotypes contains fruits with a diameter exceeding 2 cm, belonging to the genus P. ixocarpa and P. philadelphica, 16.5% fall in the typical form of the Colombian ecotype of 1.85 cm, and 16.5% are small fruits, with a diameter below 1.5 cm. Accession A7 obtained a yield of 3.9 kg/plant and accessions A4 and A3 have small fruits, but with a higher content in soluble substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the agro-morphological traits of different accessions of Habanero peppers from the germplasm collection of V.R.D.S. Buzau. Ten accesions of Habanero peppers were taken into study and had been characterized from agro-morphological point of view, analysing 15 quantitative and 10 qualitative traits. The quantitative parameters were statistically analysed and significant differences were observed in terms of plant height, therefore the maximum value was recorded by accession A110 (131.4 cm), followed by A12A (128.35 cm), A12B (124.85 cm) while the lowest plant height was recorded by genotype A500 (78.4 cm). The length of the fruits varied between 6.70 cm (A128) to 3.50 cm (A13A). Regarding the weight of the one fruit, the highest values was reported by A128 (30.10 g) and the lowest was also registered by A 500 (7.15 g) Following the agro-morphological characterization, it can be concluded that there was a great variability within studied genotypes of chilli peppers. The results will be used in the breeding program to obtain new genotypes adapted to the pedo-climatic conditions of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V.R.D.S. Buzău has a great tradition in the process of breeding for this species. Here were maintained by conservative selection the first valuable Romanian eggplants like 'Danubiana', 'Bucurestene', 'Pana Corbului' along with 'Zaraza' and 'Dragaica'. Recently, the first hybrid of eggplants obtained by the Breeding Laboratory was patented, and registered in the Romanian Official Catalogue for Crop Plants under the name of 'Rebeca F1'. As a result of the researches made over time the Laboratory gathered an important germplasm collection and numerous informations regarding the activity of breeding this species. At this time, the germplasm collection is being compound of over 60 valuable genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressivity for their shape, size and colour. Stable genotypes that are a very important part of this paper were obtained. These have large white fruits, red coloured, brindled, green etc. Of these, the accession A 10 (Camelia), with large white fruits is in the final testing stage for patenting and will be extended on a large scale in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V.R.D.S. Buzau is well known for tomato breeding, over time here were obtained valuable varieties appreciated by both consumers and growers. Currently, V.R.D.S. Buzau has an important germplasm collection consisting of over 1500 genotypes in different breeding phases. Since 1996, research on breeding this species were intensively undertaken, been obtained for the first time in our country hybrids with a certain destination. The research carried out so far has mainly focused on the germplasm evaluation accumulated to identify genotypes with distinct features for the breeding process, as well as availability and genetic stability in the progeny. The study aimed the observation of shape, size and fruit color to identify distinct features. The stable identified genotypes were organized into two groups: cherry type varieties and large fruits of different shapes like pear, bell peppers, long pepper, lemon, banana varieties, with different colors like white, various shades of yellow, red, pink, brown, black, burgundy varieties. Two of these genotypes have been proposed for patenting and are to be expanded on a large scale in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]