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

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Stoleru Vasile

Response of Sweet Corn Varieties to Plant Density and Tiller Removal: Preliminary Studies

Apr 15, 2024 |

Răzvan Huțuliac, Cristina Precupeanu, Ionela Cătălina Vasilachi, Alexandru Cojocaru, Mihaela Roșca, Vasile Stoleru

ABSTRACT. The sweet corn breeding strategy aims to enhance and sustain a consistent yield over time. The interaction between density and tiller removal is currently being discussed among sweet corn farmers, as well as scientists working in sweet corn. Considering the studies carried out to date and the research directions suggested by them, the present study aimed to determine the impact of plant density, variety, tiller removal and their interactions on the yield and ear prolificacy/weight of sweet corn under the climatic conditions of northeast Romania. The experiments were focused on 3 sweet corn varieties (Deliciosul de Bacău, Deliciul verii and Royalty F1), sown at 3 densities (50k, 60k and 70k plants/ha) and considering 2 variants for tiller removal (tiller removal / without tiller removal). The highest yield of sweet corn was recorded in the Royalty F1 hybrid in the plots in which the tillers were removed (24.27 t/ha). The Royalty F1 hybrid also had the heaviest ears (313.33 g) in plots with tiller removal and 60k plants/ha. Overall, the most favourable plant density in terms of yield was 60k plants/ha. The experimental results showed that in the climatic conditions of northeast Romania, tiller removal led to increased yield, especially in the Deliciosul de Bacău hybrid. Tiller removal in this hybrid resulted in a significant increase in yield (from 18.41 to 23.08 t/ha).

Keywords: plant density; sweet corn variety; tillers impact; yield.

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Ornamental Vegetable Garden Design Possibilities Using Modular Raised Beds

May 3, 2023 |

Ana-Maria-Roxana Hangan, Mirela Cojocariu, Doina-Mira Dascălu, Elena-Liliana Chelariu, Vasile Stoleru

ABSTRACT. Ornamental vegetable gardens have many benefits. They are aesthetic, educational, ecological, economical, sanitary, and are a source of fresh food. Small allotments in urban and peri-urban areas do not allow the implementation of utilitarian gardens. Thus, ornamental vegetable gardens are the best choice. Raised beds can be used to enhance the decorative effect of the entire vegetable garden. This type of construction presents, in turn, several advantages both for the user and crop: reduced effort for maintenance work, early heating of the substrate, loose substrate, reduced volume of weeds, efficient use of space for plants, etc. Establishing ornamental vegetable gardens on raised beds is easily achieved using geometric modules, as they can be adapted to various designs. This paper presents several design options for a decorative vegetable garden on private properties. The case studies presented showed different methods of using modular raised beds depending on the property’s area, the owner’s wishes, and the desired area to be planted. Also, depending on the results obtained from the experimental batch, three other variations of modular layouts with different purposes were proposed: focal point, physically closed but visually open space, and relaxation space.

Keywords: edible landscape; vegetable garden; raised beds; design.

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© 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)