Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | ISSN – L 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379 ISSN-L 2784 – 0360

Testimonials | E-mail us 

Issue 3 (187)/2021

Cover story

Mar 30, 2022 |

Nepeta cataria L. grows spontaneously in certain regions of Romania, and based on specialised studies since 1977, it has been introduced into the culture as a medicinal species. Studies over time have also attributed food uses (spice) or plant protection (the phenomenon of allelopathy and repellent for some insects).

The plant has the morphological features characteristic of the Lamiaceae family and is the most representative species of this genus in our country. Through the biochemical analyses performed, the authors tried to highlight the influence of the pedo-climatic conditions and the chemotype on certain components.

Electron microscopy (SEM) provides information about the size, shape and structure of cells specialised in the secretion of volatile oil, in this case glandular trichomes. It also provides information about the formations on the epidermis of the leaves and how a stress factor can influence them (see page 310).

read more

Effect of Seed Pre-Sowing Treatments on the Germination and Early Growth of Albizia Lebbeck Seeds

Mar 30, 2022 |

Joyce Kwakye, Sydney Stanley Blankson

ABSTRACT. Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings. Keywords: Albizia lebbeck, Pre-sowing treatments, Germination, Early growth.

read more

Results Obtained from Sweet Cherry Breeding in Iaşi, Romania

Mar 17, 2022 |

Elena Iurea, Sorina Sîrbu, Gelu Corneanu, Margareta Corneanu

ABSTRACT. From 1994 – 2016, the Research Station for Fruit Growing (RSFG) Iași approved 28 cherry cultivars, of which three were early cultivars (Cetăţuia, Cătălina and Amaris), 20 were middle maturation cultivars (Maria, Golia, Ştefan, Bucium, Iaşirom, Tereza, Lucia, Radu, Oana, Alexus, Andreiaş, Ludovan, Cociuvaş, Iosifan, Paulică, Mihailis, Muşatini, Elaiaşi, Amar Maxut, and Amar Galata), and five had late maturation (Andante, Marina, Croma, Margonia, and George). Van, as the most widespread cultivar in Romanian orchards, was used as a control. The sweet cherry cultivars were created through direct hybridisation or free pollination. Maria Cultivar is the first Romanian self-fertile cultivar. The locally approved bitter cherry biotypes are Amar Maxut with black fruit, Amar Galata with double-coloured fruit, and Amaris with dark red fruit. Regarding the tree’s vigour, cultivars Amaris, Tereza, Ştefan, and Golia recorded weak vigour, in comparison with the other cultivars, which had medium vigour. Bitter-tasting cherry cultivars have semi-firm pulp with semi-adherence to the stone, and the fruit weight was under 7 g. All 28 cultivars presented high precocity, productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to frost, drought, and diseases.

Keywords: cultivars; fruit; hybridisation; maturation stages; traits.

read more

Determination of Critical Value of Available Soil Phosphorus for Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soils from Greece

Mar 2, 2022 |

Christos Tsadilas, Eleftherios Evangelou, Thomai Nikoli, Miltiadis Tzioyvalekas

ABSTRACT. Phosphorus is considered as a basic essential element for plant growth which cannot be substituted or manufactured and is, therefore, a scarce resource to ensure food security; its sound management is considered important. One of the factors that play a significant role in its management is the determination of the critical available phosphorous (P) level in soil, in order to decide whether to apply P fertilizers or not. Since several soil and plant factors affect the value of the critical available soil P, it is considered necessary to carry out special experiments, in order to determine the soil critical P value for an area and a specific crop. The purpose of the present study was to establish critical soil and plant P values for wheat. A greenhouse pot experiment was performed on seven representative calcareous soils from the Thessaly plain in central Greece. The soils were deficient in available P and so they were fertilized with various rates of P. At appropriate stages, the above-ground plant parts were harvested and analysed for basic nutrients, including P. At the same time, soil samples were also taken and analysed for available P. The Cate and Nelson technique was applied, to determine critical values of both soil and wheat tissue P values. It was found that the critical soil P is 11 mg P kg-1 and the critical value for wheat tissue is 0.24% P dry matter.

Keywords: available P; critical values; wheat; calcareous soils; P fertilization.

read more

Influence of Foliar Fertilisers on Biochemical and Physiological Properties in Nepeta Racemosa LAM.

Feb 23, 2022 |

Constantin Lungoci, Carmen Doina Jităreanu, Carmen Simona Ghițău, Teodor Robu

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate some elements of physiology and biochemistry in Nepeta racemosa Lam. in the pedo-climatic conditions of the Moldavian forest steppe. The parameters were quantified under conditions of differentiated fertilisation with three foliar products (KSC 1, KSC 2, and Corona K). Biochemical analysis by GC/MS revealed the highest concentration of the following components: nepetallic acid (Untreat – 54.33%, KSC 1 – 55.50%, KSC 2 – 56.90%, Corona K – 53.77), eucalyptol (Untreat . 9.87%, KSC 1 – 10.70%, KSC 2- 12.80%, Corona K – 10.78%), 3-hydroxy-(4S, 4aS, 7S, 7aS)-dihydronepetalactone (Untreat – 5.87%, KSC 1 – 5.37%, KSC 2 – 4.87, Corona K – 3.67%), and (4aS, 7S, 7aS)-trans, cis-nepetalactone (Untreat – 4.30%, KSC 1 – 5.00%, KSC 2 – 4.20%, Corona K – 5.23%). Polyphenols were present in large quantities in the Corona K variant, with 33.1 mg GA/g dw at the first harvest and 27.88 mg GA/g dw at the second harvest. The highest concentration of flavonoids was identified in the Corona K variant (26.34 mg QE/g dw – first harvest and 56.77 mg QE/g dw – second harvest). The antioxidant activity was between 14.76 and 38.54% at the first harvest, and from 12.18 to 22.95% at the second harvest. Chlorophyll pigments ranged from 13.12-17.68 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll a, 5.43-9.66 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll b, and 2.07-3.34 μg/ml-1 for carotenoids. The highest grass production per m2 was achieved in the version fertilised with KSC 1 for both crops, with 986.66 g/m2 for the first harvest and 861.33 g/m2 for the second. Iridoids are a class of substances that are commonly used for pesticide role. The study aims to highlight these substances and determine whether differentiated fertilization influences. The presented data confirm the results in the literature for polyphenols and flavonoids, but also present chemotypic novelties in terms of chemical composition and represent a direction to follow for future research.

Keywords: nutrients; flavonoids; nepetalic acid; polyphenols; chlorophyll; DPPH.

read more

Analysis of Spermatozoa Quality Using Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Through the Administration of Phospholipid + EGTA

Feb 15, 2022 |

Rooije R.H. Rumende, Eva L. Baideng, Fredine E.S. Rares, Laya M. Rares

ABSTRACT. The Percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) method is frequently used in the sexing of spermatozoa. However, this method causes damage to the spermatozoa membranes, resulting in a decreased quality of spermatozoa. We analysed the impacts of phospholipid PC (phosphatidylcholine) and EGTA (ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid) Ca2+ free buffer on the quality of bovine spermatozoa after the PDGC process, using semen from Friesian Holstein (FH) bulls aged 5 – 8 years. The following variables were observed: spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa viability, spermatozoa membrane integrity, spermatozoa that have not experienced capacitation, spermatozoa that have experienced capacitation and spermatozoa that have undergone acrosomal reaction. The results showed that the administration of phospholipid PC + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer to spermatozoa, followed by the PDGC process, could maintain or further improve the values of all variables. In the PDGC process, phospholipid PC 10% + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer at 1 mM was most suitable.

Keywords: PDGC; PC phospholipids; EGTA; separation spermatozoa.

read more

Integrating Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) with Food Crops: Perceptions of Farmers at Amoma, in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region of Ghana

Feb 2, 2022 |

Louisa Adomaa Ofori, Eunice Nimo, John Tennyson Afele, Olivia Agbenyega

ABSTRACT. Income maximization from cashew products and proper utilization of resources has significantly evolved in Amoma, as a result of cashew diversification with food crops. The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of farmers on integrating cashew with food crops. The study aimed to identify the type of food crops intercropped with cashew, as well as reasons and its associated challenges. A total of 83 respondents were purposively sampled from four communities (Asesase, Kukuroase, Tutuoase and Afapemu). The results indicated that all farmers had knowledge on food crops integration with cashew. Amongst the food crops cultivated with cashew include yam, maize, cassava and groundnut. Reasons stated for integration of food crops include weed control, subsistence use and also financial safety nets. Farmers’ major challenge was financial and also weeds control on their farm. The study concluded that yam was the commonest intercrop of cashew followed maize. Key challenges encountered by farmers were weed invasion and inadequate disposable cash for maintenance practices, such pruning and weeding. In pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), the study recommends that farmers be trained on proper food crop integration methods at Amoma to boost yield, financial stability and enhance living conditions.

Keywords: intercropping; cashew; food crops; food security; SDG 1&2.

read more

Biomass-Based Soil in Ecological Agriculture: Characteristics and Wheat Grains Development Trends

Feb 2, 2022 |

Ramona Elena Tătaru-Farmuș, Carmen Zaharia, Daniela Șuteu, Alexandra Cristina Blaga

ABSTRACT. The biomass-based soils are used in the ecological agriculture, being already proposed in sustainable organic production systems with reduced costs for assuring the good cropping productivity, and also high quality of the crops. For the elimination of the synthetic inorganic fertilizers’ utilization on soil, the use of certain types of residual biomass in mixture with the reference soil was proposed as they have a positive impact on the adsorption and absorption of nutrients and water for the nutrition of plants. The aim of this paper is to present four mixtures of reference soil and residual biomass, considered as biosoil used as support for development of wheat seeds. These biosoils were characterized in terms of real density, actual and potential pH, content of total organic carbon, humus, exchangeable calcium, total and available nitrogen and phosphorus, and the trends of grain seeds germination and plants growth were registered in association with the evolution of soil pH for a period greater than a month. The results encourage the use of these biosoils (mixtures of soil with residual biomass) as support for plants cropping.

Keywords: biosoil; ecological agriculture; grain seeds; mixture of soil and biomass; soil characteristics.

read more

Agrobiological Value of Some White Grape Varieties Created at Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania

Feb 2, 2022 |

Ionica Bosoi, Liliana Rotaru, Cintia Colibaba, Marioara Pușcalău

ABSTRACT. Vine varieties react differently to the influence of environmental factors by decreasing or significantly intensifying the vigour of shoot growth, a biological reaction that also affects fertility and productivity. This article presents data on some agrobiological properties (vegetative growth of shoots, fertility and productivity) of some white wine varieties, created at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification (R.D.S.V.V.) Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania) – Şarba, Băbească gri, Mioriţa and Vrancea, in the period 2020 – 2021. The data obtained were compared with the control variety Fetească regală. In Odobeşti vineyard, 2020 was much warmer than normal, characterized by a severely deficient rainfall regime resulting in atmospheric drought, followed by the gradual development of pedological drought. The vigour of shoots was negatively influenced by the climatic conditions of the vegetation period in 2020, the highest values being recorded for the varieties Șarba (159.6 cm) and Vrancea (141.5 cm), which showed significant positive differences, compared to the control variety. The fertility of the buds was lower in 2020, compared to 2021, the Vrancea variety being distinguished by higher potential fertility than the varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița, but lower potential fertility than the control variety. The absolute fertility coefficient (Cfa) had superunitary values for all varieties (1.07 – 1.50), and the relative fertility coefficient (Cfr) had subunitary values, except for the Vrancea variety (1.32). The varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița achieved an absolute productivity index (Ipa) superior to the control variety Fetească regală due to the higher average weight of the grapes, and the relative productivity index (Ipr) ranged from 199 for the Vrancea variety to 182 for the variety Șarba.

Keywords: grape variety; vigour; fertility coefficients; productivity index.

read more

The Impact of Two Anticoagulants on Erythrocytes Morphology in Different Vertebrate Species

Jan 27, 2022 |

Daniel Cocan, Vioara Mireşan, Camelia Răducu, Paul Uiuiu, Alexandru Giurgiu, Tudor Păpuc, Radu Constantinescu, Călin Laţiu

ABSTRACT. In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants.

Keywords: blood cells; length-width ratio; cell surface; shape; vacutainer.

read more

The Profile of Fatty Acids and the Eggs Quality from Hens Fed to the Diet with Flax Seeds, Rapeseed Meal and Vitamin E Supplements

Jan 25, 2022 |

Petru Alexandru Vlaicu, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Raluca Paula Turcu, Gabriela Maria Cornescu, Petruța Vișinescu

ABSTRACT. This experiment investigates the effect of flaxseed meal, rapeseed meal and vitamin E supplementation, when used together, on the production parameters of fatty acid composition and eggs quality characteristics in Tetra SL laying hens (38 to 46 weeks of age). For this, 120 hens were allocated one of three treatments, with 40 hens in each group. The hens were fed either a control diet (C), a control diet including 2.5 % flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal (E1) or 2.5% flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal with 73 mg/ kg feed of vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement (E2) for 8 weeks. Hens consuming the E1 diet had greater egg production and egg mass than those from group C. The feed conversion ratio in both the E1 and E2 groups was lower (P < 0.05) than in the C diet group. E2 had considerably higher egg weight, albumen pH, yolk pH and Haugh unit than E1 and C (P0.05), as a response to the vitamin E antioxidant effect. The most α-linolenic fatty acid content (1.07 g FAME) was found in eggs produced by chickens fed the E2 diet, (1.07 g FAME), followed by E1 (0.91 g FAME), with both being significantly higher than C eggs (0.23g FAME). Furthermore, all n-6 studied fatty acids concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in E1 and E2, while all n-3 fatty acids concentrations were significantly greater (P > 0.05) in E1 and E2. When comparing the n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acids from experimental treatments (6.44 and 6.74) with C treatment (18.19), a significant difference was observed (almost 65% lower).

Keywords: egg fatty acids; egg quality; flaxseed; laying hens; rapeseed.

read more

© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)