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The present study aims to generalize cultivar-specific tree phenology responses to winter and spring temperatures and assess the effectiveness of the Tabuenca test and various chill and heat accumulation models in predicting bloom dates for a wide range of climatic conditions and years. To this end, we estimated the dates of rest completion and blooming and correlated them with observed bloom dates for 14 peach and nectarine cultivars that were evaluated in 11 locations across Europe (Greece, France, Italy, Romania and Spain), within the EUFRIN cultivar testing trial network. Chill accumulation varied considerably among the studied sites, ranging from 45 Chill Portions (CP) in Murcia-Torre Pacheco (Spain) to 97–98 CP in Cuneo (Italy) and Bucharest (Romania). Rest completion occurred latest or was not achieved at all for some cultivars in the southern sites in Murcia. Dormancy release happened earliest in Bucharest and Cuneo, sites where heat accumulation had a strong influence on the regulation of bloom time. Blooming occurred earliest in the moderately cold regions of Lleida (Spain) and Bellegarde (France), and 7–11 days later in the warmer locations of Rome (Italy) and Naoussa (Greece), suggesting that bloom timing is strongly influenced by delayed rest completion in these locations. The Dynamic Model resulted in both more homogeneous chill accumulation across years and better predictions of bloom dates, compared with the Utah, Positive Utah and Chilling Hours models. Prediction of bloom dates was less successful for low-chill cultivars than for medium- and high-chill cultivars. Further climatic and experimental data are needed to make estimates of the climatic needs of peach cultivars more robust and to generate reliable advice for enhancing the resilience of peach production under varying and changing climatic conditions.

At present, the Romanian market is dominated by foreign eggplant cultivars, the most widely used being the ‘Aragon’ and ‘Mirval’ hybrids. Taking into acount this major deficiency in this Solanum species regarding the autochthonous genotypes since 1996, Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau Breeding Laboratory started an intensive breeding program for eggplants, finalised until now with the establishment of a valuable germplasm collection consisting of 208 genotypes structured by their genetic stability.

The purpose of this paper is to explain why, in 1966, the Romanian leadership adopted a wholly restrictive pronatalist policy, based on the strict limitation of abortion, instead of one based on socioeconomic incentives to families, as suggested by technocrats. Previous literature shows disagreement on whether the choice was motivated by moralistic or economic considerations. In order to find an answer to this question, hundreds of pages of archival material unpublished so far have been analysed, including the minutes of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, statistics, documents identified in the Ministry of Health Archive, and the technical reports that were on the table at the time of the decision. The conclusion of this study, drawn on the basis of these documents, indicates that at the time of 1966, regardless of the suggestions of the technocrats, a decision had already been taken by Ceausescu himself. This decision was influenced directly by economic considerations, namely the wish to obtain the maximum pronatalist effect at a minimum budgetary cost.

The present study presents the effect of two organo-mineral fertilizers: root fertilizer C011 and foliar fertilizer 411 bio-ionic liquids, on some vegetative and productive features of five new peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] varieties introduced in Romania: ‘Earlirich’, ‘Royal Estate’, ‘Rubirich’, ‘October Star’ and ‘Late Luka’, grafted on GF 677 rootstock. The experimental plot located on a reddish preluvosol, have been established in 2008 with four planting systems: Tatura trellis, V planting system, Sibari Y and Vertical axe with different nutrition area/tree. Fertilization was applied on the beggining of June and August, 2010 and 2011 on the soil, locally on the tree rows (C011) and by foliar spraying (411). Trees vegetative growth was compared at the end of the vegetation period by number of fruit buds per unit trunk surface section (CM/TSS) with significant differences between types of crowns and the biggest values for ‘Rubirich’; the total shoots length with significant differences between varieties. The influence of fertilization on trees productivity was apreciated by analyzing the yield and some typical productivy indexes. The studied parameters including the NPK uptake, have been significantly influenced by the variety 3.39% Nt at ‘Rubirich’ in 2010 and 2.75% Nt at ‘Rubirich’ in 2011 in Tatura trellis planting system.

The genus Ziziphus includes numerous species, both cultivated and wild, offering significant genetic variability and economic potential that are often overlooked. Due to their high variability and ecological plasticity, jujube species and genotypes can be utilized in marginal areas and on land where few plants could be efficiently exploited. This study investigated variations in morphological characteristics (qualitative and quantitative), bioactive content (e.g., DPPH radicals), and antioxidant capacity in fruits, leaves, and stones of cultivated Z. jujuba genotypes (‘Hu Ping Zao’ and ‘Jun Zao’) and wild genotypes (Z. acido-jujuba and ‘Jurilovca’), using different solvents (water, ethanol, and methanol). The mass and dimensions of the fruits as well as their parameters (fresh and dry weight, length, width, and pulp-to-stone ratio) and the antioxidant potential of different plant organ types (leaves, fruit pulps, and stones) were determined. The results showed that the cultivated genotypes produced larger and heavier fruits with a higher pulp percentage than the wild forms of the same species. However, the wild forms exhibited higher antioxidant capacities than the cultivated genotypes, depending on the type of plant organ analyzed and the solvent used for extraction.

The circular economy with compost fertilization is included in the sustainable orchard paradigm, creating a holistic production ecosystem. Modern orchards are mostly intensive and super-intensive, requiring different rootstocks. This research presents the response to compost fertilization of two specific pear rootstocks (quince ‘CTS 212’ and ‘Farold® 40’) and own-rooted trees, analyzing six resistant cultivars in a circular production system. The dynamic of nitrogen and carbon concentration in leaves, soil respiration coefficient, the evolution of the fruit maturity stage in the field, and some biometric parameters such as trunk cross-section area, the annual vegetative growth, and fruiting shoots annual number were analyzed. The results highlighted that compost fertilization led to increased leaf nitrogen concentration over the first two years while carbon concentration remained relatively stable. Rootstock and compost fertilization influenced the fruit maturity dynamic, but a single pattern was not identified. Quince, as pear rootstock, expressed a higher sensitivity to compost application; the biometric parameters, such as trunk cross-section area, and almost all cultivars’ annual vegetative growth were higher than the controls’. Positive output can lead to future model upscaling in farms and households.

Taking into account the increasing demands of farmers and consumers in terms of diversification of the assortment of aubergines marketed in Romanian markets, the Buzau Plant Genetic Resources Bank aims to contribute to its improvement by breeding and promoting new varieties, acclimatized to the growing conditions specific to our country. From the germplasm plots, the stable genotypes that passed the general and specific combining capacity test were subjected to hybridization work resulting in a large number of hybrids, of which the L R10V22 x L O58V22 combination was of interest for the breeding program. As a result of the hybrid combinations, genotype A RO19VER22 was extracted, showing the following distinct and uniform fruit characteristics: fruit weight -590.35 g, fruit length -21.5 cm, obovate fruit shape, light green fruit color with slight striations, and greenish flesh, with an early ripening period. In the present research work, we have succeeded in stabilizing a new eggplant variety, with distinct phenotypic expressiveness, to be registered and approved under the aegis of the Buzau Plant Genetic Resources Bank.

The life-cycle cost analysis is a method used to assess long-term economic efficiency among equivalent competing processes or products. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature and level of costs for an organic orchard located in Southern Romania, using a complex approach covering the entire chain of production, through its life span. The research results, based on a dynamic analysis and an integrated evaluation of the orchard’s performance, were ranked on investment and operational costs and broken down into three categories (establishment, production, post-harvest, transport costs). The highest costs, representing 151,726 EUR/ha/20 years, about 52.72% of the total operational costs and 50.4% of the total farm costs/ha/20 years, were recorded in the exploitation stage. The scenarios for the sensitivity analysis considered different levels of average yields (40 and 60 tons/ha, respectively) with different rates of sold productions (85%, optimistic scenario; 70%, pessimistic scenario). The hot points identified at the production stage were the use of agricultural machinery, several pesticides, the costs of seedlings, anti-hail nets, plastic boxes, and labor costs, while at the post-harvest stage, there were those related to labor and energy consumption. The transport stage had important costs with respect to tractor operations and the track.

The aim of this study was to assess phenotypic diversity in terms of fruit quality traits and yield, and also to establish valuable genotypes for breeding purpose suitable for different direction of use. Ten cultivars of hot peppers bred at VRDS Buzau were collected and fruit quality (dry matter content, fruit firmness, the total soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content) was evaluated at different ripening stages. A very highly significant difference (p

The Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), originating from China, with a history of over 4000 years, is one of the major fruit crops cultivated in China and on important areas in Central Asia, India, Iran, the Middle East etc. The high resistances to drought, salty soils and similar climate to that of China recommend this fruit tree as a valuable crop, especially in the context of climate changes and extended desertification. Chinese jujube has a high tolerance to pests and disease, being suitable for organic farming. The lack of divulgative papers on jujube true nutritional, medicinal and economic value, makes it still unknown for the great part of Romanian and European consumers, intensive advertising campaign is needed. The aim of this review is to highlight the requirements of the Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) in regards to the soil, water, climate as well as its high nutritional and medicinal values.

The Genetic, Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory from Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau (VRDS Buzău) has a valuable germplasm collection of hot pepper consisting of 200 genotypes structured by their genetic stability. In this study, seven genotypes were characterized from an agro-morphological point of view. The aim of this study was to choose the most valuable genotypes for directions of use as: fresh consumption, chili powder or for pharmaceutical use. The agro-morphological results will be used in the breeding program to obtain new genotypes adapted to the pedoclimatic conditions of Romania.

Pawpaw or Northern banana (Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal) is the only representative of the Annonaceae family that can be cultivated in temperate areas. The increasing demands from the consumers for this nearly unknown fruit with high nutraceutical potential require specific researches. The aim of this study is to present the fruits pomological characteristics for 23 genotypes analyzed, cultivated in the Bucharest area. For each genotype yield, fruit size, average number of seeds per fruit, average weight of seeds and seeds size were measured. Fruit biochemical analyses as dry matter, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, acidity, were done for several genotypes. Fruit quality evaluation through sensorial analyses was conducted for 13 genotypes. The most valuable genotypes from the Experimental field according to the analyses performed and the consumer’s preferences are taken in consideration for further research.

The aim of this study is to present the results of the organic technology applied to increase and maintain the biological soil activity in an organic edible rose plantation established within USAMV Bucharest. Before and after planting, three ameliorative species: Sinapis alba L., Phacelia tanacetifolia L. and Tagetes patula L. were sown in seven variants for increasing soil biological activity. Two types of mulches, woodchips and wool, were applied on the rose rows. The results presented statistically significant correlations between different microbiological and agrochemical parameters. A strong correlation between the fungi number and soil respiration (r = 0.94, p

The almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is a very popular nut, being one of the most complex fruits for the benefit of the human health. Nowadays in Romania, this crop started to decrease as covered land and production. At the global level the cultivated surfaces and the production is on raise. The aim of our study was to select better almond genotypes suitable for breeding. The study’s goal was to monitor two spontaneous populations of almond hybrids naturally formed in two distinct localities from the Dobrogea region, namely Greci, from Tulcea county and Crucea, from Constanta county. Naturally formed almond hybrids were studied and observations have been performed for the phenophases in the years 2018 and 2019, also observing the presence of different pathogenic diseases on the phyllosphere of the plants. There were also accomplished morphological measurements for the hybrids of high interest according to the purpose of the present research work.

Decorative apple species are used in different fields: breeding, landscape architecture, feeding of the birds during winter, etc. This paper presents the physicohemical characteristics of some ornamental apple genotypes grown and developed in the Northern area of Bucharest and the degree of pollen germination, according with area’s climatic conditions. The results show that some fruits have a high total soluble content, up to 26.98% and dry matter up to 33.18%, these ornamental apple genotypes can be recommended to be used in breeding to obtain new types of fruits for human consumption that have certain characteristics. The maximum percentage of pollen germination was 54.90% for the studied period, when during the efflorescence and blooming period massive rainfall occurred, but important for further research.

The fruit sector in Romania and, particularly, the apple production sector, is considered to have been in decline in recent decades. Changes in the behavior and consumption habits of the population, together with climate change and the increase in fruit imports, have caused shortages in this sector. Apples are regarded as a national fruit in Romania, but recently, there have been significant transformations in apple production and consumption. In order to practically observe the recorded information published in a database for this sector, we developed a questionnaire, which was completed by people in Romania. The aim of this paper was to identify the types of apple consumer profiles in Romania. The reason for choosing this specific fruit was linked to the investigated objective of the projects to which this article is related. Regarding the approached methodology, the paper focused on analyzing descriptive statistics, frequencies and clustering, by which means we designed a pattern of the apple consumer profiles in Romania. Furthermore, the profiles of respondents from two regions of Romania (South-Muntenia and South-East Regions) were explored in more detail. The findings of this research indicate a young, educated consumer profile and a distinct pattern revealed by the three clusters from the specific regions.

Historical gardens’ restoration is a complex process including not only built features of the layout, but also vegetation. Climate changes, air pollution, new pests and other factors have an important impact on vegetation and make sometimes impossible to restore the garden to the original model. Therefore, vegetation restoration requires investigations, to establish the tendencies, dynamics and resilience of different species in the garden, and decisions to adopt sustainable solutions. Woody plants from Peleș Royal Castle Gardens (Sinaia, Romania) were investigated to reveal the diachronic transformations of the vegetation and to establish an objective starting point in garden restoration. Despite of decades of neglected maintenance, historical events and changes in building function, the garden has a considerable number of old valuable trees and shrubs. Woody plants located on terraces were in a significantly poorer condition compared with those planted on the lawn. Natural forest surrounding the garden and native species cultivated in the garden acted as a source of landscape regeneration. Climate changes, affecting the mountain zone, allow the cultivation of woody species of warmer climates. Results of present study will be essential for all the future decisions about woody vegetation and gardens restoration.

“Moara Domnească” is a didactic farm belonging to the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. Moara Domnească has an area of 520 ha, of which 65 ha of orchard. The orchard, but also a major part of the farm has a wind protection system consisting of windbreaks planted in 1920’s with English Oak (Quercus robur), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), and other species of shrubs from the spontaneous flora. Since 1860, Romania has become one of the first countries in the world to have developed forest windbreaks and shelterbelt. Both the establishment of windbreaks and scientific research have been specifically designed to limit the negative effects of the extreme continental climate. Even the windbreaks benefits are multiple and clear, their extension was limited in many areas where are extremely needed. Based on the ornithological observations carried out between 2015-2016, we found out that the forest windbreak plays an extremely important role on the orchard ecosystem, influencing positively the life of wild birds that find food, shelter and nesting places throughout the year.

One of the present challenges of food production is to bring on the market innovative products with special nutraceutical properties that can fulfill the customers’ needs. The aim of this paper is to present some original data regarding the sensorial analysis and the customers perceptions on innovative jam obtained from organic rose petals. On 1,350 sqm plot, at the UASVM of Bucharest an organic rose culture was established in 2015 with three climbing varieties: Falstaff, Brother Cadfael and Crown Princess Margareta. From the end of June 2016, the petals were collected and used for jam preparation. Besides sugar, different ingredients as: ginger, lemon juice, sea buckthorn juice and hot pepper were added. Total soluble solids and total dry matter were measured. The final products, seventeen variants of rose jam, were analyzed and tasted. Sensorial analysis was made by consumers of different ages and gender. Jam appearance, general taste, aroma, and the overall impression were noticed. V4 variant - Brother Cadfael with sea buckthorn was the most appreciated variant. For each of these top variants, target group by gender and age was analyzed. The results showed that the customers’ preferences are influenced by age and gender and the organic rose jam is a highly appreciated product.

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is an antique fruit species originated from Asia and spread all over the world. In Romania, many genotypes are found on mild climate zones, being cultivated in small gardens as ornamental and fruit plant. At the Bucharest Faculty of Horticulture recently, fig genotypes have been collected from different places, propagated and studied. This paper presents the first results regarding the characterization of some fig genotypes found in different areas of Romania. An Iraqian fig genotype was also characterized. On medium term, the team aims to identify local grown fig plants, to establish a fig distribution wide map in Romania and to analyse different plants parameters in order to decide the best genotypes to be planted in the future. Cuttings from different figs genotypes and different regions of Romania and Iraq were collected and rooted. After planting in pots, the new obtained plants where grown under controlled conditions for a year. By using the mother plants and/or the new propagated plants, several measurements and determinations were done in order to characterize each genotype. Leaves were studied and measured with Win Folia scanner and software, while fruits were observed, measured and total soluble solids was determined by refractometer. The collected biotypes are planted in four testing plots in different regions in Romania.