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The paper aimed to present the evaluation of the allelopathic effect of the essential oil (EO) of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) obtained from a new Romanian variety ('Catalina' variety), on seed germination and seedling growth. As biological material, seeds from two weed species were used: green foxtail (Setaria viridis), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) and two vegetable species: lettuce ('May King' variety) and spinach ('Matador' variety). The main compounds identified in EO were: cis-pinocamphone (34.57%), trans-pinocamphone (13.73%), along with ß-pinene (13.32%), ß-phellandrene (9.51%) and germacrene-D (5.38%). The obtained results demonstrated that EO had an allelopathic effect, inhibiting/stimulating seed germination and subsequent seedling development. However, the concentrations that showed inhibition/stimulation effect were different depending on the seed species tested. The study demonstrated possible allelopathic effects of EO from hyssop 'Cătălina', on weed and vegetable seed germination. The obtained results can be used in the future, for the development of commercial products with bioherbicidal action, but additionally, thorough research is needed regarding the mechanism of action, EO encapsulation, testing in field conditions, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, climatic changes have induced long periods of drought during growing season that caused a high dicrease of agricultural yields of classic grain legumes crop. In this circumstances, chickpea crop is considered to be more and more involved in crop rotation in Romania as it withstands drought best and has very good nutritional value. Thus, improving crop technology becomes an important aim for near future. This study aimed at the impact of tillage and chichpea varieties on quantity and quality index under climatic environment of Moara Domneasca in 2022 where at three varieties of chickpea (Burnas, Rodin, Kuky) three types of tillering were performed (plowing at 25 cm, subsoiling at 35 cm and disc harrowing at 12 cm). Finally, it was concluded that type of tillage most influenced yields than varieties, best average yield being 1575 kg/ha when plowing at 25 cm. Also, tillage types positively impacted quantity and quality indexes of chickpea yields in a higher degree than varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, winter oilseed rape has become more and more grown by farmers in Romania, being a rewarding and versatile crop. Black leg (Leptosphaeria maculans) and stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) continue to cause significant yield losses in Romania in winter oilseed rape, despite widespread use of fungicides. A series of three trials were conducted in Călărai County in 2021 to quantify the contribution of a mixture of Azoxystrobin 20% and Difenoconazole 12.5% at three different rates and of cultivar resistance. In the field, assessments were performed to conclude the frequency (F%) and intensity (I%) of the attack, in order to calculate the degree of attack (DA%). In the end, the effectiveness of the treatment scheme was calculated. Significant effectiveness and yield differences were recorded between cultivars and fungicides dose rates in the fields. Fungicides higher rates gave better control of diseases than lower ones and contributed to disease control and to yield responses to a greater extent than cultivar resistance. DA% of black leg infection was lower than of stem rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon polluted agricultural areas contain spontaneous plants possibly involved in the soil bioremediation process. This study highlights the diversity of the endophyte microfungal community of Cichorium intybus and Xanthium strumarium, the dominant plant species in a hydrocarbon- contaminated area in the Prahova region, in September 2020. Plants release organic compounds through roots, which increase the density, diversity and activity of specific microorganisms that in turn degrade hydrocarbons. For the isolation of endophyte fungi, fragments of roots were used, the plant organ being sectioned in the basal, median and apical area. The nutrient medium (PDA) was fined with diesel and motor oil to 1 mg/l. There were obtained 92 endophyte fungal strains, which following the observation procedures of morphological similarity, namely elements of shape, texture and color of the colonies, as well as mycelium and spores under the microscope, 39 different morphologically different strains resulted. To partially characterize the ecological aspects of the endophyte fungal communities in the two plants, from two locations contaminated with hydrocarbons, considering three root areas, Margalef diversity indices, Shannon, Simpson's dominance and frequency of colonization were used. The diversity expressed by the Shannon index indicated a superior net value for the endophyte fungal communities of C. intybus (Shannon_H= 3.0) compared to X. strumarium (Shannon_H= 2.0). The same host plant, C. intybus, was also noted for the richness of the species, the value of the Margalef index being 6.6, compared to X. strumarium, where the index had a value of 2.9. The dominance of endophyte fungal communities showed similar values in both plants. These preliminary results point to a higher diversity of endophyte fungal communities in the host species Cichorium intybus, colonized by the highest number of different organizational taxonomic units (OTUs) compared to the other host plant Xanthium strumarium (i.e 28 versus 11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a small plant with a slow growth rate in its young growth phase, so it gives weeds the opportunity to take over its nutritional spectrum easely. In order to evaluate the effects of the herbicide isoxaflutole 240g/l + cyprosulfamide 240g/l (safener) on weed control in chickpea fields, the experiment was located at Moara Domnească in 2023 in randomised blocks in 4 replicates. The treatments included application of the herbicide in different doses and different times of crop vegetation in pre-emergence, early post-emergence (at 8-10 cm tall) and post-emergence (at 16-18 cm tall). The determination of weeds in the untreated version was done as persentage of soil coverage when the chickpea was around 8-10 cm tall. Acording to the results, the best yields were obtained when the herbicide was applied post-emergent at the rate of 0.18 l/ha when the crop was around 8-10 cm and preemergent at the rates of 0.3 and 0.2 for which yields between 1364 and 1325 kg/ha were obtained. The most severe forms of phytotoxicity that prevented the chickpea crop were present when the herbicide was applied at a rate of 0.18 and 0.36 l/ha when the chickpea was 16-18 cm tall and at the rate of 0.36 l/ha when the chickpea was 8-10 cm tall, with EWRS scores ranging from 2 to 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in 2020-2021, in 3 different locations (Constanţa, Călă;raşi and Teleorman) and aimed to evaluate the biological activity of the herbicide Thifensulfuron-methyl 75% WG with adjuvant and without in control of broadleaf weeds in winter wheat. The experiments were placed in randomized blocks, in 4 repetitions with a plot area of 100 m². The floristic composition of the winter wheat fields studied has been diversified, being present: Amaranthus retroflexus, Capsella bursa - pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Chenopodium album, Erigeron annuus, Fumaria officinalis, Galium aparine, Lamium spp., Papaver rhoeas, Polygonum convolvulus, Sinapis arvensis, Stellaria media, Veronica spp., Viola arvensis etc. Herbicides were applied in post-emergence when weeds were in the early stages of growth and development. The herbicide Thifensulfuron-methyl 75% WG with adjuvant and without was applied at the doses of 20, 30 and 40 g/ha. The adjuvant (Trend 90 EC) was applied at 250 ml/ha. The assessments made at 10, 20 and 30 days after treatments focused the density of weeds, the percentage of soil cover, selectivity and the effectiveness compared to the untreated control. The results obtained showed that the efficacy depends on the dose applied, the type of weeds and their density on square meter. The Thifensulfuron-methyl 75% WG ensured a good efficacy in controlling of broadleaf weeds in winter wheat, the best results being obtained at the higher dose and when it was applied together with Trend 90 EC. Some weed species were insufficiently controlled at the dose of 20 g/ha: shepherd's purse, cleavers, blackbindweed, lamb's quarters etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera leucotricha is one of the most common and severe diseases of this plant in all production areas. In years under favorable conditions for the disease, especially for susceptible varieties, it causes significant damage to apple orchards of up to 80% of the harvest. The research was carried out between 2019 and 2021 within the Research and Development Station for Fuit Growing Voinești and aimed at the effect of Polisulf product type MIF and Sulfomat 80 PU on the attack of the monitored pathogen on Jonathan and Golden Delicious varieties. The highest degree of attack was calculated for the Jonathan variety of 60.8% in 2021. The effectiveness of the treatments was 80.5% - 84.8% for the Jonathan variety and 88.2% - 96.4% for the Golden Delicious variety. Sulfurbased products have provided good protection against powdery mildew and are recommended in integrated apple protection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its physiological, ecological and technological peculiarities of the species, apricot culture involves a whole series of challenges and requires special attention and fruit growers’ skillness. Being an early flowering plant, sensitive to various diseases and pests, root asphyxiation, spring frosts and other unfavorable factors, yields are often reduced and are a factor that is limiting the areas and farmers' interest in the expansion and development of this crop. Also, the complex of diseases and pests to which this culture is exposed may cause the manifestation of the enigmatic disease called apoplexy or premature demise of the apricot. The paper highlights the importance and special role of effective disease control in an apricot orchard in the southern area of Dobrogea in order to obtain a quantitatively and qualitatively increased yield. A total of 11 phytosanitary treatments were applied to control brown rot, gumspot of stone fruit, scab and powdery mildew. The assessments at 7-10 days after each treatment for Comandor and Farbaly varieties proved a good efficacy ranging from 86.67 to 100%. So that the production of apricots intended for sale was approx 12 tons per hectare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania, new invasive plant species have been reported in the last decade. Such an invasive plant is the species V. persica, often found in winter rapeseed crops. Its germination period coincides with those of rapeseed and cause significant yield losses, especially on soils well supplied with nitrogen. The success of this weed is ensured by the large number of seeds and by the fact that it survives over the winter season, being immune to frost, especially in the context of milder growing winters. An increasing number of farmers now grow winter rape (Brassica napus L.) in Romania, because it is an economically profitable crop. One of the basic technological links is weed control, as the rape plants are susceptible to weed infestation, especially during their early stages of vegetation. Early control of the invasive species V. persica is absolutely necessary, because this allows rapeseed to develop vigorously throughout the growing season and because the plant has a great natural capacity to control weeds that occur later. Our assessments of rapeseed crops during 2017 and 2018 in Southeast Romania have shown that this weed may form associations with other species of the Veronica genus, so that they become dominant and can totally compromise the winter rape crop. The aim of this research was to develop measures so as to eradicate and limit the spread of the invasive species V. persica in winter rape crops by integrating agrotechnical measures with products for plant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to provide information on genetically diseases-resistant varieties of apple inbred at Voineti station and their behaviour under reduced number of phytosanitary treatments. The evolution of two harmful pathogens attack (apple scab and powdery mildew) on two common varieties, nine Romanian varieties and three foreign varieties was monitored in untreated control samples, samples treated following specific scheme and samples with no specific fungicides. The degree of attack and the effectiveness of the treatments were calculated. Assessments have shown that the classic varieties Ionathan and Golden Delicious had a high sensitivity to diseases in the climatic conditions of 2020. Romanian apple varieties proved total resistance to scab (100%) and very low susceptibility to powdery mildew (0.26- 4.54%) so that a limited number of fungicidal treatments are needed. Their yields were at high level of quality and quantity, ranging from 24 to 36.7 tons/ha. The result of the growing of genetically diseases-resistant varieties is that pollution is mitigated and increased fruit production is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are quite small areas sown with grain legumes in Romania, in recent years these crops have become more attractive to farmers also due to the fact that it leaves the soil enriched in nitrogen. Dried grain legumes crops have certain peculiar features that farmers must take into account to obtain profitable harvests. One of these features refers to the sensitivity of pea and bean crops to weed infestation, especially in the early stages of vegetation. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and selectivity of the herbicides applied in pre and post-emergence on weed control in peas and beans. To this end, three experimental fields were conducted in Ilfov, Calarasi and Bucharest during spring and summer of 2020. Assessments were made at 14, 28 and 42 days after treatments application and they aimed at the effectiveness in controlling the mono and dicotyledonous weeds and crop safety. The results obtained have shown that the effectiveness of herbicides applied in peas and beans crops depends on weed species, their density on square meter, pedoclimatic and agrophytotechnical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important sources of weed infestation in agricultural crops is related to manure applied as biological fertilizer, when livestock growers don`t process it and don`t store it in order to be weeds - free. In manure there are lot of weed seeds from animal fodder, livestock bedding and also from animal excrements. On the pasture, when grazing fresh food, animals eat also the inflorescences with weed seeds. Ones of these seeds could pass through the digestive tract of animals while keeping their ability to germinate. The aim of this study was to record the weed species that can cross over the digestive tract without losing their germination, to note which weed species are more adapted to do this, which animal species are able to perform the endozoochory process and under what environmental conditions. Trials were conducted under laboratory conditions. The content of excrements taken from four animals species (cattle, goats, sheep, horses), from four distinct South – East areas in period 2019-2020, were mixed with sterilized soil and put to germinate under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. Following the assessments, weed seeds were found to be able to cross over the digestive tract of animals maintaining their germination. The highest frequency was in cattle and the lowest was in horses. There was at Pasărea where the largest number of weeds was found and animals grazed on untillaged land (hences, fallow lands). The dominant weed species were Setaria sp., Chenopodium sp., Amaranthus retroflexus and Polygonum aviculare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Voineşti production basin is one of the most important fruit growing areas for apple crop. The load of pathogens in these plantations is very high due to climatic conditions and monoculture for a long period of time in the area. Venturia inaequalis is one of the main diseases affecting apple orchards. A major challenge in commercial apple orchards within humid production regions is the available fungicide options for apple scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Wint.) management. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of five potential alternative fungicides for management of apple scab and to evaluate their effectiveness. Pest incidence, pest severity of the attack and yield of the Jonathan apple variety, one of the most sensitive in the area, were also analyzed by ARM software. The standard products Score 250 EC (0.225 l/ha) and Syllit 400 SC (2.0 l/ha) treatments resulted in the best scab control and consequently, high economic productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew is one of the most damaging and common diseases of the apple, being caused by the fungus Podosphaera leucotricha. In the years with favorable conditions for the disease infection, especially for the sensitive varieties, it may produce important damages in the orchards, because it can manifest throughout the growing season. This disease can affect from the beginning of the vegetation the young leaves and shoots, flowers and even fruits in a situation of severe infection. Sulphur-based products are contact fungicides that provide good protection against powdery mildew without polluting the environment. The mechanism of action is a multi - site, with low risk of occurrence of the pathogen resistance phenomenon. This paper highlights the effectiveness of the two sulphur - based on products in controlling powdery mildew in three apple orchards where no other fungicides have been applied. The products tested in the trials were: Polisulf, Sulfomat 80 PU and Kumulus DF (standard product). Data obtained demonstrated that the efficacy of Polisulf at the proposed rate of 30 l/ha and Sulfomat 80 PU at the proposed rate of 4.5 kg/ha was equivalent or close to the efficacy of the reference product Kumulus DF at 4.5 kg/ha against P. leuchotricha in apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize crop (Zea mays L.) has a major place in the agricultural economy of Romania, and is infested yearly by resilient weed species that strongly compete with the crop. In recent years, it has been found that the invasive species Xanthium italicum Moretti causes increasing damages to crops, with the success of this plant provided by some biological particularities. The research carried out in the southern part of Romania during 2016-2018 demonstrated that maize is greatly influenced by competition of X. italicum which has an adverse impact on its phenology and growth, producing quantitative and qualitative losses of yield. Related to this context, the paper presents data on invasive species management: X. italicum by integrating agro-technical measures with products for plants protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem weed species, especially perennial, aggressive, potentially invasive ones, may cause various, large-scale and irrecoverable damages by reducing crop yields quantitatively and qualitatively, generating grasslands degradation, hindering maintenance works, rising production costs, producing toxic effects for both humans and livestock, as well as hosting, favoring and transmitting diseases and pests. The grassy flora of pastures consists, besides gramineous and leguminous fodder, of other species, of which some have a low forage value or provide a high level of toxiciy. The lack of efficient grassland management has led to the degradation of these lands by changing the optimum proportion of fodder species in the structure of the vegetal composition. In this context, the research and assessments conducted in the permanent grassland of Băicoi in Prahova County targeted the monitorization of vegetal cover species, identifying the problem weeds and determining the influence of the two species on the pastoral value. Two problem weeds have been identified: the Carduus nutans of the Asteraceae family and the Eryngium campestre of the Apiaceae family. The obtained results substantiated that the presence of the two weed species greatly reduced the pastoral value of the pasture from 94% (when Lolium perene, Trifolium repens and T. pratense predominated in the vegetal community composition) to 24%, as C. nutans and E. campestre showed a high degree of aggressiveness, prevented the development of valuable fodder species and endangered the useful pasture cover for animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of protective belt and the setting of crops within the microclimate created by them, also favourable to sunflower crop, represent one of the most effective measures for mitigating the effects of drought in Dobroudja region. The researches were carried out at Amzacea, Constanta County, in sunflower crops cultivated in the forest belt system. For each plot there have been drawn up weed infestation sheets that indicate the density, participation and the constancy. The data has been centralized for the determination of dominant species and problem weed species that require treatments. Data analysis showed that 16 species of weeds were identified, which, due to the favorable microclimate created mainly by reducing evapotranspiration, exceeded 190 plants per square meters. The Chenopodium vulvaria species, which had a density of 8 plants per square meters in sunflower cultivated plots without belt, became the dominant weed exceeding 20 plants per square meters and participating with C. album species almost 20% in weed infestation process. Due to the water conservation in the soil, the black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), a moisture species has doubled its density from 6% in sunflower plots without belt to 15% in plots between belts. The problem weeds identified in sunflower cultivated within the forest belts were C. vulvaria, C. album, Amaranthus spp., Polygonum spp., S. nigrum, Convolvulus arvensis and Setaria spp. Species that predominantly spread by the wind had a higher density in the plots within forest belt: Xanthium italicum, Cirsium arvense, Sonchus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]