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Salinity is one of the most critical abiotic stresses affecting various physiological, biochemical, and molecular functions of plants. This study aimed to assess the effects of different salt concentrations on in vitro blueberry shoots (‘Bluecrop’, ‘Blueray’, ‘Brigitta Blue’, ‘Duke’, ‘Goldtraube’, ‘Hortblue Petite’, and ‘Patriot’ cultivars) and to understand the mechanisms employed by this species under saline conditions. The Woody Plant Medium (WPM) proliferation medium was supplemented with 10, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl to induce salt stress. After ten weeks of in vitro culture under salinity stress, various parameters were evaluated, including the number of shoots obtained/explant, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, water content, stress tolerance index (STI), and McKinney index (MKI). Additionally, the behaviour of blueberry cultivars under salt stress was analyzed using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Compared to the control (culture medium without NaCl), all treatments with NaCl reduced shoot length and the number of shoots obtained/explant in all studied blueberry cultivars. ‘Brigitta Blue’ reported the shortest shoots (0.04 ± 0.02 cm) at a concentration of 150 mM NaCl, followed by ‘Blueray’ with 0.05 ± 0.03 cm. Also, the lowest number of shoots/explant was recorded for both cultivars under 150 mM NaCl, namely 0.12 ± 0.07 shoots/explant (‘Brigitta Blue’) and 0.11 ± 0.04 shoots/explant (‘Blueray’). Salt tolerance, as expressed by ITS and MKI, confirmed that ‘Goldtraube’ exhibited higher salt tolerance, with the highest ITS values and the lowest MKI values. Further validation presented ‘Goldtraube’ as the most unresolved spectra of the Mn (II) hyperfine structure under all salt concentrations, therefore ‘Goldtraube’ was the most tolerant to saline stress.

Micropropagation of Lycium barbarum cv. 'Ningxia N1' was achieved. The cultures were by initiated by axenical seed germination. The highest shoot proliferation was obtained on the MS media with 1.33 or 2.22 µM benzyl adenine, gelled with wheat starch as an agar alternative. The treatments with 2.22 µM benzyl adenine ensured proliferation rates superior to the ones with 1.33 μM benzyl adenine, but the latter provided longer and more robust shoots. Use of large microcuttings as an explant onto the multiplication media ensured higher in vitro explant survival, higher number of shoots regeneration and more vigorous plantlets. The microcuttings inserted vertically into the media yielded superior growth and multiplication as compared to the microcuttings placed horizontally. The non-rooted, elongated shoots from the treatment 1.33 μM benzyl adenine were either rooted in vitro on a hormone-free MS medium with starch or used for direct ex vitro rooting and acclimatization. The optimal number of microcuttings/vessel for in vitro rooting was 40 and the rooted plantlets were efficiently acclimatized ex vitro by three methods: float hydroculture in floating cell trays, floating perlite, and in Jiffy7 pellets.

The apple rootstock varieties ‘MM 106/4’, ‘MM 106/6’, ‘D 18’, ‘D 20’, ‘JTE-H’ and ‘MR 09/4’ were multiplied in vitro on modified Murashige and Skoog media gelled with wheat starch (MSs) and supplemented with 0.7 mg/l BA, which provided intense axillary shoot proliferation. Among the genotypes we studied, MR 09/4 had the highest multiplication rate (19.56), followed by D18 (15.36). The lowest multiplication rates were recorded in MM 106/6 (5.36) and in MM 106/4 (3.32). The use of the technique of direct ex vitro rooting and acclimatization in floating perlite provided rooting percentages of more than 90 %.

Streptocarpus is a very popular houseplant with colorful flowers, and has thus piqued the curiosity of plant enthusiasts and breeders. In this study, “Natalie” and “Bristol’s Gum Drop” were artificially hybridized to study the influence of the parental reciprocal crosses (P1×P2 and P2×P1) on vegetative and generative morphological traits of F1 progeny. Mean comparisons for morphological characters of parents and F1 plants from both crosses revealed that F1 plants were able to express hybrid vigor for several valuable morphological characteristics. Pearson correlations showed both significant negative and positive correlations between morphological traits of F1 plants from P1×P2 cross, while in the case of P2×P1 no significant negative correlations were observed (p < 0.05). The Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) genetic profiles of the F1 plants with the identifiers P1×P2.19 and P1×P2.35 were remarkably similar, and they grouped with the maternal parent in a small group, supporting the findings of clustering based on morphological data. The parental combination P2×P1 revealed the presence of closely related progenies to the paternal parent, namely P2×P1.16 and P2×P1.5. Two F1 plants named P1×P2.33 and P2×P1.21 were selected based on their phenotypic characteristics and SCoT molecular fingerprinting. These selected genotypes will be tested in our future breeding programs with the aim to create and promote new valuable Streptocarpus cultivars.

Astragalus exscapus L. subsp. transsilvanicus (Schur) Nyár. (Fabaceae) is a rare plant endemic to the Transylvanian Plateau, represented by 24 identified populations. Limited information on the genetic variation and population structure is available, which obstructs efficient measures for conservation strategy. The present study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of eight populations of A. exscapus subsp. transsilvanicus revealed by sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. A total of 164 bands were amplified, 96.7% of which (159) were polymorphic. Nei’s gene diversity index (He) was estimated to be 0.228 at the population level and 0.272 at the subspecies level. The genetic differentiation among populations (Gst) was 0.165, which indicated a low proportion of total genetic diversity. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 17% of the total variation of A. exscapus subsp. transsilvanicus is found among the populations, while 83% was found within the populations. A UPGMA dendrogram, principal coordinate analysis, and the STRUCTURE software grouped the populations into two clusters uncorrelated with the provenience of the 125 individuals, which might be attributed to fragmentation processes, insect pollination, population size, and specific environmental conditions of the habitats.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of six Ranunculus species using SRAP markers. The genotyping of 73 Ranunculus accessions showed that 12 primer pairs generated a total number of 212 polymorphic fragments with a 99.53 % level of polymorphism. Nei’s gene diversity ranged between 0.2237 and 0.3436 with an average of 0.3001. The UPGMA method with Nei72’s similarity coefficient ranging from 0.23 to 1.11 separated 73 accessions into two distinct groups (A and B). Cluster-A included R. acris members, while cluster-B included the rest of the tested species. Cluster-B was subsequently divided into two sub-groups (I and II). Subgroup-I consisted of R. carpaticus and R. serpens subsp. nemorosus accessions, while subgroup-II included the members of R. platanifolius, R. polyanthemos, and R. repens. R. polyanthemos and R. repens were founded the most closely related species. These findings provide a brand-new understanding of the evolutionary relationships of above mentioned Ranunculus species and may be useful tools for plant breeding and conservation purposes.

A micropropagation protocol via direct shoot organogenesis from Streptocarpus x hybridus Voss. leaf explants was established in this study. The shoot induction of three Streptocarpus cultivars (‘Snow White’, ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Slumber Song’) was successfully achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.2 mg L-1 -indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 0.2 mg L-1 thidiazuron (TDZ). In proliferation stage, the effects of two combinations of plant growth regulators -PGR- (V1-0.2 mg/L-1 IAA + 0.5 mg/L-1 BAP and V2-1.0 mg L-1 NAA + 0.2 mg L-1 TDZ) on shoot number and length were examined. The results suggest that PGRs combinations significantly influenced shoot proliferation and root induction in all Streptocarpus cultivars. Among the treatments, 0.2 mg L-1 (IAA) in combination with 0.5 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) were the most effective for in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting. The in vitro rooting percentage was also determined before subjecting the plantlets to the acclimatization process. Due to acclimatization, Streptocarpus plantlets showed a very high rate of survival (90%). The generated PCR-RAPD profiles for the selected in vitro-raised plants and donor plants were similar which indicates the clonal or true-to-type nature of the progenies.

The genetic relationship among three Streptocarpus parents and twelve F1 hybrids was assessed using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Both methods were able to discriminate F1 hybrids and parents as revealed by cluster analysis. For hybrid identification, the type III SRAP marker was the most effective due to the presence of male-specific bands in the hybrids. Different behaviors in the biochemical variability of DNA samples have been observed by FT-IR spectral analysis, which might be attributed to the inherent nature of the genomic DNA from parents and their F1 progenies. Mantel test was also carried out to compare morphological, SRAP, and FT-IR results based on genetic distances. The highest correlation coefficient was found between morphological and SRAP marker distances (R = 0.607; p ≤ 0.022). A lower correlation was observed between the morphological and FT-IR distance matrix (R = 0.231; p ≤0.008). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the distances generated with SRAP and FT-IR analyses (R = 0.026) but was not statistically significant. These findings show that both SRAP and FT-IR techniques combined with morphological descriptions can be used effectively for nonconventional breeding programs for Streptocarpus to obtain new and valuable varieties.

This article focuses on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), about responsible consumption and production, particularly the fifth target of reducing waste production through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The study explored and evaluated the results of the product upgrading performed in a community empowerment activity, which involved upcycling denim waste into A-line skirts and tote bags, and adding decorative materials using sewing techniques such as decorative stitches, tie-dye, and macrame. The article also discusses the importance of producing goods with greater value in terms of sustainability in natural resource utilization. On-site surveys were conducted to evaluate the results of the product upgrading, and the survey results were analyzed qualitatively for further sustainability efforts related to upcycling. Overall, 15 buyers participated, and the results showed positive perceptions about the use of products from fashion waste and there is interest in participating in similar activities in the future.

Batang Batik has unique motifs that originate from its historical background as part of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, and its geographical area adjacent to the coastal batik center of Pekalongan. Batang Keratonan Batik is influenced by the Mataram Keraton Batik, while the Batang Pesisiran Batik is influenced by the Pekalongan Batik. The influence of the Mataram Keraton Batik can be seen from the use of sogan (brown) color, as well as geometric, and organic abstract motifs, while the influence of Pekalongan Batik in the use of bright colors and figurative organic motifs. Even though they have similar designs, there are also differences between the Batang Keratonan Batik and the Mataram Keraton Batik, as well as between the Batang Pesisiran Batik and the Pekalongan Batik. The similarities and differences in visual styles are interesting to study because they show the dominance of power over aesthetic tastes from Pierre Bourdieu's concept; and the phenomenon of mimicry from the STORM theory from the study of social psychology. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with purposive samples originating from the Pisan Bali motif on 2 pieces of Batang Keratonan Batik and 1 piece of Mataram Keraton Batik, as well as floral and bird motifs on 1 piece of Batang Pesisiran Batik, 1 piece of Rifa'iyah Batik, and Pekalongan Batik. To reveal the similarities and differences in batik designs, we conducted a visual content analysis of color, motifs, execution of forms, layout, and composition. Furthermore, the concept of Pierre Bourdieu and the STORM mimicry theory were used to reveal the causes of the similarities and differences in visual styles of the purposive samples. The results of the analysis show that the similarities in visual style are due to the influence of power domination on aesthetic tastes in a field, and mimicry is done to gain social advantage, while the differences come from heterodoxy which occurs due to changes in the constellation of power in the social field.

Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB) is a suitable technique for large scale micropropagation of plant species. The aim of this work was to test the capacity of in vitro proliferation of the primocane-fruiting red raspberry cv Maravilla and floricane-fruiting red raspberry cv Willamette on gelled media compared to liquid media. The two varieties were cultured in vitro on two media, Murashige and Skoog 1962 (MS) and Driver and Kuniyuki walnut medium, 1984 (DKW), both supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 6-benzyladenine (BA). In the control cultures on gelled media the media were gelled with 5g/l Plant Agar, whereas for the cultures in liquid media Plantform bioreactors were used. After six weeks of in vitro culture we recorded the proliferation rates and lengths of the axillary shoots obtained in all the experimental treatments. The highest proliferation rate was 16 ± 2.03, obtained in cv. Willamette on gelled MS medium with 0.5 mg/l BA. The longest shoots (3.17 ± 0.32 cm) were obtained at cv. Maravilla on the DKW medium with 0.5 mg / l BA in the bioreactor. Our research highlighted that Rubus idaeus L. Maravilla and Willamette can be TIB propagated, although further research is needed to improve the efficiency of this method.

Micropropagation has an important role in the large-scale production of blackberry plant material, given the high proliferation rates of this species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the proliferative capacity of blackberry grown in vitro on wheat starch-gelled culture medium compared to classical agar-gelled medium and to assess the genetic fidelity between the proliferated shoots in starch-gelled culture medium and their mother plants. Six blackberry varieties (‘Čačanska Bestrna’, ‘Chester Thornless’, ‘Driscoll’s Victoria’, ‘Loch Ness’, ‘Polar’, and ‘Karaka Black’) were tested. For the in vitro shoots proliferation, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg dm−3 6-benzyladenine (BA) was used. The conventional medium was gelled with 0.5% plant agar, and wheat starch was used as an alternative gelling agent in a concentration of 5%. The results showed that for all blackberry cultivars, the highest number of shoots/inoculum was obtained in wheat starch-gelled culture medium, with a maximum value of 54.42 ± 4.18 presented by ‘Karaka Black’. Considering the length of the proliferated shoots, all tested cultivars presented outstanding results on the culture medium gelled with 5% wheat starch. The highest values regarding shoots length were observed on the ‘Chester Thornless’ followed by ‘Čačanska Bestrna’, and ‘Loch Ness’ with values of 5.55 ± 0.04 cm, 5.46 ± 0.06 cm, and 5.37 ± 0.09 cm, respectively. The genetic uniformity of the micropropagated shoots in relation to their mother plants was confirmed by sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the genetic uniformity of blackberry plants (Rubus fruticosus L. 'Loch Ness' and 'Chester Thornless') obtained by micropropagation. Genetic uniformity was analysed by using RAPD and SRAP markers. For the in vitro multiplication, the slightly modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium was used, supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 6-Benzyladenine (BA), prepared with tap water and 50 g/l wheat starch as the gelling agent. This culture medium ensured the regeneration of well-developed plantlets, with multiplication rates of more than 42 for both cultivars. The in vitro multiplication was carried out in 30 months including 12 subcultures. The plants obtained from the 3rd and 11th subcultures were compared with the mother plants using 64 SRAP primer combinations (eight forward and eight reverse primers) and 20 RAPD primers to check their genetic fidelity. The amplification products were monomorphic in the micropropagated plants and the mother plant. No polymorphism was detected, thus proving the genetic fidelity and uniformity of the micropropagated plants.

In this work we aimed to develop an effcient micropropagation protocol for highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Duke’) and hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. ‘Tonda di Giffoni’) using the Plantform bioreactor. The influence of different quantities of the culture media (300 ml, 400 ml and 500 ml/bioreactor) was tested for both species. The immersion time was one at every hour lasting for 1 minute and aeration was once/hour lasting for 4 min each. Our results show that highbush blueberry had the highest proliferation rate (6.20±0.81) in the bioreactor containing 500 ml of the culture medium while the longest shoots (4.19±0.25 cm) were recorded in the bioreactor with 400 ml of the culture medium. Hazelnut had the highest proliferation rate (0.93±0.07) in the bioreactor containing 400 ml while the longest shoots (3.13±0.49 cm) were measured in the bioreactor containing 500 ml medium. The highest rooting percentage (77.78%) in hazelnut was recorded in the bioreactor containing 400 ml medium.

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of zeatin (Z), dihydrozeatin (DHZ) and 2-isopentenyl-adenine (2 iP) on shoot length and proliferation rate (PR) in three Vaccinium corymbosum L. cultivars: ‘Blueray’, ‘Duke’ and ‘Patriot’. The culture medium used in this research was prepared from stock solution: Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 5 mg/l2iP, 0.25 mg/l Z, 0.5 mg/lZ, 0.25 mg/l dihydrozeatin (DHZ), 0.5 mg/l DHZ and a combination of 0.5 mg/lZ + 0.25 mg/l DHZ. The results show that the lowest PR (1.26±0.03) was recorded in ‘Duke’ on the medium containing 0.25 mg/l DHZ, while the highest PR (4.26±0.10) of this variety was recorded on the medium supplemented with a combination of 0.5 mg/l zeatin and 0.25 mg/lDHZ. The highest average length of the shoots (3.82±0.07) recorded was also on this medium. Among the treatments, the highest PR (3.66±0.07) induced by a single cytokinin was obtained on WPM+5 mg/l2iP. Similar results were obtained in ‘Blueray’ undergoing the same treatment with hormone combinations (0.5 mg/l zeatin and 0.25 mg/lDHZ); the highest PR recorded was 4.1±0.23. On the contrary, ‘Patriot’ showed the highest proliferation rate (5.06±0.11) on the medium supplemented with 5 mg/l 2iP, but the average length of the shoots was slightly lower (4.21%) than that on the medium with hormone combinations.

In vitro culture has become a dependable approach for the mass production of plant material as the market for innovative plant-derived medicinal approaches has grown significantly. Furthermore, because it permits manipulation of biosynthetic routes to boost the production and accumulation of certain compounds, this technology has enormous potential for the manufacture of natural bioactive chemicals. As a result, the goal of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for biomass production and to investigate the accumulation of bioactive compounds from Vaccinium corymbosum L., Duke and Hortblue Petite cultivars. Two in vitro plant tissue culture systems were used for shoots production: a solid medium (5 g/L Plant agar) and liquid medium (Plantform bioreactor). The culture medium used was Woddy Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with two growth regulators: 0.5 mg/L and 1 mg/L zeatina (Z) and 5 mg/L N6-(2-Isopentenyl) adenine (2iP). The content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophylls of the in vitro shoot extracts were examined via the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS technique. The results showed that cv. Hortblue Petite produced a higher amount of biomass compared with cv. Duke, on all variants of culture media in both systems (solid and liquid), while the shoots extract of the Duke variety in the liquid culture system (under all concentrations of growth regulators) had the highest content of total phenolic compounds (16,665.61 ± 424.93 μg/g). In the case of the lipophilic compounds analysed (chlorophylls and carotenoids), the solid medium reported the highest values, whereas media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L Z was proved to have the richest total content for both cultivars.

The demand for virus-free hop planting material has increased in the last few years due to its multipurpose uses. The present study aimed to establish an effective protocol for clonal propagation of cv. Cascade using only the cytokinins as PGRs in all stages of micropropagation: (i) in vitro culture initiation using single-node micro-cuttings inoculated on modified Murashige and Skoog (MSm) medium solidified with Plant agar and supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 6-benziyladenine (BA) with 76% recorded viability of nodal explants; (ii) in vitro multiplication of multinodal shoots on MSm medium gelled with Plant agar and supplemented with different types and concentrations of cytokinins: 2 mg L−1 kinetin (KIN), 0.7 mg L−1 1-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea) (1 CPPU), 2 mg L−1 meta-topoline (mT) and 0.5 mg L−1 BA, which was the best variant for shoot proliferation (9.48 ± 0.78 shoots/explant); (iii) rooting and acclimatization with the best results obtained by ex vitro rooting and acclimatization of plants in the same stage in perlite (96.00 ± 0.60% acclimatized rooted plants with 100% survival under greenhouse conditions). The true-to-type nature of in vitro raised plants with the mother plant was assessed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Start Codon Target Polymorphism (SCoT) molecular markers, and then their genetic uniformity were confirmed.

An efficient micropropagation protocol for Rheum rhabarbarum L. was developed in this study. The in vitro rhubarb plants obtained in the multiplication stage (proliferation rate: 5.0 ± 0.5) were rooted in vitro (96% rooting percentage) and acclimatized ex vitro in floating perlite, with 90% acclimatization percentage. To assess the genetic fidelity between the mother plant and in vitro propagated plants, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were used. All banding profiles from the micropropagated plants were monomorphic and similar to those of the mother plant indicating 100% similarity. Regarding the polyphenolic profile, gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric and ferulic acid were present in different amounts (2.3–2690.3 μg g−1 dry plant), according to the extracted matrix. Aglicons and glycosides of different classes of flavonoids were also identified. The rhizome extracts (both from in vitro and field grown plants) contained resveratrol, a stilbene compound with high antioxidant properties, ranging between 229.4 to 371.7 μg g−1 plant. Our results suggest that in vitro propagation of Rheum rhabarbarum L. represents a reliable alternative to obtain a large number of true-to-type planting material with high bioactive compound content of this valuable nutritional and medicinal species.

In order to assess the effect of gelling agents upon lilac in vitro proliferation rate, eight types of gelling agents were tested, at concentrations considered to be optimal, based on preliminary tests as follow: 3 g/L Fibrous Agar, 6g/L Daishin Agar, 4 g/L Gelcarin, 2 g/L Gelrite, 15 g/L Isubgol, 4 g/L Micro Agar, 6 g/L Phyto Agar and 4 g/L Plant Agar. The culture media was Murashige & Skoog (MS) supplemented with 4 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The plant material consisted of shoots picked from in vitro cultures on MS+0.5 mg/L BAP gelled with Plant Agar. The highest multiplication rate was 3.76, obtained in the experimental treatment with the media gelled with 15 g/L Isubgol, while the lowest proliferation rate was 1.4, on the media gelled with Daishin Agar. The shoots obtained in these eight experimental treatments were rooted ex vitro and acclimatized using the floating perlite method, in two experimental treatments: one with hormone-free floating perlite and one supplemented with 1mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest rooting and acclimatization percentage (90%) was obtained in the hormone-free floating perlite experimental treatment, from shoots obtained in the media gelled with 6 g/L Daishin Agar.

The aim of our research was to investigate the way in which the agar types used for culture media preparation influence damask rose in vitro proliferation rates, as well as the quality of the shoots obtained and their ability for ex vitro rooting and acclimatization. For this purpose, seven types of gelling agents were tested: 6 g/L Daishin Agar, 4 g/L Gelcarin, 2 g/L Gelrite, 15 g/L Isubgol, 4 g/L Micro Agar, 6 g/L Phyto Agar and 4 g/L Plant Agar. The culture media consisted of Murashige & Skoog supplemented with 4 mg/L 6-benzyladenine. The highest multiplication rate, 5.1, was obtained on the culture media supplemented with 6g/L Daishin Agar and 4 g/L Plant Agar and the lowest one was 2.8, obtained on the media gelled with 4 g/L Gelcarin. Although the multiplication rate on the media gelled with Isubgol was lower (3.2), the shoots obtained in this experimental treatment got acclimatized with 90 % survival percentage and developed the best root system, regarding the number of roots/shoot and root length.

The Uniqueness and characteristics of Clothing, two of the fashion categories have created the under¬standing of fashion as an ideology, which ensures the functioning of dominant and dominance systems in a social order. Through the analysis of qualitative descriptive research will be known the visual ideology of a clothing product formed by producers in the eyes of consumers. In the end it is capable of forming the product positioning concerned. The results of of this research reveals the emergence of Ideology in clothing, based on the ideals of the creator of the clothing products. The formation of these ideals cannot be separated from the role of the community as a medium that supports the absorption of the ideology as the characteristic of a particular group. It reveals that visual ideology is one of the important factors that establishes the positioning of a product, which is created because of the existence of product differentiation that supports it.

Romanian hazelnut (Corylus avellana) germplasm is held in a national collection at SCDP Valcea. A clear situation of the held accessions is necessary for an efficient management of the germplasm collection. In order to achieve this, the genetic variability of 43 accessions was assessed using 23 RAPD primers. The RAPD analysis was carried out as a screening test to confirm the genetic identity of some accessions. Based on the screening results, 12 accessions were selected for analysis using nine SSR primers. A high level of genetic diversity was observed (He=0.75, Ho=0.81, F=-0.061) among the analyzed samples. A genetic similarity matrix was constructed and the resulting UPGMA dendrogram revealed three major groups, corresponding to the geographical origin of the accessions. In order to increase the effectiveness of genebank management, the identification of duplicate and mislabeled accessions with the aid of molecular markers is of high interest, especially being the first one of this kind in a Romanian hazelnut germplasm collection.

In Romania, Prunus genetic resources are kept in collections of varieties, populations and biotypes, mainly located in research and development institutes or fruit growing stations and, in the last years, by some private enterprises. Creating the experimental model for the Germplum database based on phenotypic descriptors and SSR molecular markers analysis is an important and topical objective for the efficient characterization of genetic resources and also for establishing a public-private partnership for the effective management of plum germplasm resources in Romania. The technical development of the Germplum database was completed and data will be added continuously after characterizing each new accession.