Search Results (15)

Increasing interest is being devoted to innovative food products enriched with fruits and vegetables to enhance the nutritional and bioactive properties from the perspective of sustainable management. The addition (10, 15, and 20%) of blueberry fruits derived from two spontaneous flora varieties from the Rarău (G) and Ciocănești (C) mountains (Romania) into ‘French’ bread resulted in increased maximum breaking strength and mechanical work in spherical dough up to 10 and 15% in variety G, and deformation strength up to 20% integration; the untreated control displayed the highest values in the strips of dough. The 20% incorporation of both blueberry varieties in bread enhanced total, open, and closed porosity, maximum strength, gummosity, and chewiness, as well as titratable acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. Resilience and pH showed the highest levels in the untreated bread, which also exhibited the highest values of the color components ‘L’, ‘a’, and ‘b’ in both the bread crust and crumb. The untreated control showed the highest scores for some sensory features, and in most cases, an increasing trend with the fruit integration rising from 10 to 20% was recorded. The addition of blueberries represents an interesting strategy for creating bread as an innovative functional food under sustainable supply chain management. Full article

Native genotypes of fruit species are an important source of phenotypic variability for breeding and provide valuable material for the creation of new cultivars. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize and decipher the phenotypic variability of 39 native cherry genotypes (Prunus avium L.) with some bitter taste from spontaneous or cultivated flora from the Northeast European region, in Romania. The research was conducted during 2018–2022 and aimed to analyze the biochemical composition and physical characteristics of the fruits in order to identify the most useful traits for dissemination. All genotypes presented small fruits but with exceptional nutraceutical properties. The highest fruit weight was observed in G10 and G11 (3.2 g). The highest total soluble solids was found in G19 and G25 (28.2°Brix and 26.0°Brix, respectively), and in terms of antioxidant capacity, the highest level was observed in G32 and G33 (98.22% and 96.71%, respectively). In the cluster analysis, wild cherry accessions were clustered into five groups of related genotypes, indicating that they were useful for evaluating the characterization of cherry germplasm due to the superior fruit weight and phenolic compounds content. The genotypes studied represent valuable phenotypic resources for enriching the cherry gene pool and improving important horticultural traits for increasing production and thus nutrition. Full article

Wild Iris plants are usually found in spontaneous flora, but due to their ornamental characteristics, they can also be used for ornamental purposes, which means that it is very important to find the perfect conditions for plant growth. This research aimed to evaluate the ornamental value and adaptive behavior of wild Iris aphylla L. in “ex situ” conditions. Plants from wild flora were cultivated experimentally in the Floriculture field at the Faculty of Horticulture, IULS, Iași, Romania. The biometric determinations revealed the significantly higher ornamental value of conserved plants grown in “ex situ” conditions compared to wild plants. In “ex situ” conditions, the plants displayed more vigorous growth (~100%) and had a higher number of flowers per stem (5–9 flowers), whereas, in wild conditions, this species has from two to a maximum of five flowers. Given the absence of anatomical studies in the literature, detailed anatomical investigations of the leaf structure were performed, complemented by analyses of the photosynthetic pigment content to assess the plant’s physiological performance. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted using two plastid markers (rbcL and trnL-F) confirmed the taxonomic classification of the native I. aphylla L. species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular phylogeny of the wild Iridaceae species in Romania. These findings provide insights into the taxonomy, morphology, cultivation potential, and ornamental value of the species, supporting future conservation and horticulture development programs. Full article

Romania has a relatively high diversity of plant species, including 3829 vascular and 979 non-vascular spontaneous plant taxa (species and subspecies). Due to uncontrolled harvesting as well as other causes, including climate change and ecological collapse, the speed of species extinction and the narrowing of the genetic base of plant resources has been reported as a critical issue. Therefore, the national Red List of Romanian flora includes 1453 threatened taxa, of which 95 are endemic and 90 subendemic. Many of these have high ornamental, medicinal–cosmetic, and/or aromatic properties. The high extinction risk of these valuable plants has stimulated both the reconsideration of their vital importance as genetic resources and interest in finding effective methods for conservation. Cultivating these phytogenetic resources in a human-controlled environment is of high importance for effective ex situ conservation, which can further serve sustainable exploitation needs and may facilitate in situ conservation actions. In vitro culture is a powerful tool for producing elite plants for cultivation for different purposes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on in vitro multiplication of 22 endemic and subendemic native plants of Romania, examining the materials used, the treatments applied, and the results obtained in each stage of the micropropagation protocol (culture initiation, proliferation, rooting, and acclimatization). The findings from the reviewed studies are presented in a comparative way, and the potential of plant tissue culture in conservation and sustainable exploitation of these Romanian species is outlined. Full article

In Rupea area, in central Romania, Romanians, Saxons, Magyars and Roma people live. Their traditional ethnic cuisines represent intangible cultural heritage resources. In a qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews with respondents from all four ethnicities, we identified the dishes, spices and tastes considered representative by them through thematic analysis. We compared ethnic gastronomic characteristics using doublets of gustemes, based on Claude Lévi-Strauss’ model, and highlighted the touristic potential of serving the soups of all ethnic groups as a common touristic package. The comparison highlighted similarities due to the dependence of all locals on indigenous food resources, but also differences due to the different propensity to capitalize on spontaneous flora or to adopt Austro-Hungarian influences. The soups, with their similarities and differences, are gastronomic reflections of the historical status and the long coexistence of the ethnic groups in Transylvania. The touristic capitalization of soups as an intangible cultural heritage resource can become a source of income for local people, contributing to the strengthening of local identity and the sustainable development of the area. It is supported by social entrepreneurship tourism and the consolidation of local networks of producers. In addition, ethnic soups can also be used as a quick and effective lunch option for assisted elderly people, students or busy employees. Full article

The aim of this study was to use plant extracts from spontaneous flora of Moldova (Rediu-Iasi area, Romania) as polyphenols and flavonoids source in order to obtain new dermato-cosmetic formulas to prevent the actions of oxidative stress on skin. Plant extracts (from raw and dried Galium verum sp.) were obtained by: cold classical maceration (M), heat reflux extraction (HTE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). The extracts were characterized by spectrophotometric method (for polyphenols and flavonoids content and for DPPH antioxidant activity evaluation). In order to evaluate the combating and/or attenuating effects of oxidative stress on skin, the study was continued with the elaboration of emulsions that incorporate one of these extracts. The emulsions were preliminarily characterized by determining the stability over time. The obtained results encourage research in the direction of deeper characterization of these emulsions to determine the microbiological stability and dermatological tests performed on the skin treated with these new products. Full article

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the application of different plant extracts with bioinsecticidal action and antioxidant activity for plants and soil protection, by substitution of the application of synthetically formulated pesticides with eco-friendly compounds. In this framework, this research focused on the utilization of plant extracts from the spontaneous flora of Moldova (Romania) as bioinsecticides for the control of field pests of the species Leptinotarsa decemlineata and their antioxidant activity. Plant extracts of oregano (Origanum vulgare), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and cowslip (Primula veris) were assessed for their antioxidant activity by the microplate spectrophotometric-based method (for polyphenols and flavonoids content and for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenger activity) and were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy spectra. To evaluate the bioinsecticidal properties of the plant extracts, the mortality (%) and neuroleptic manifestations appearing in the middle of the monitoring period for larvae and adults of the Leptinotarsa decemlineata species were identified. Mortality (%) was statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the resulting experimental results were compared with the LSD-Fisher’s test (p < 0.05). The highest mortality (%) was observed after 24 h of treatment with extracts of Origanum vulgare at 100% concentration, while the maximum effect was recorded after 48 h for Origanum vulgare at 60% and 100% concentrations. Full article

Medicinal and aromatic plants hold a high share of interest in Romania. To offset the harvesting of spontaneous flora and ensure the sustainable conservation of natural resources, the cropping of highly valuable plants of interest represents a priority for the current agricultural system. This study was conducted due to the need for more balance in species exploitation. Therefore, it assessed the emergence dynamics, leaf appearance, growth and development of the plants depending on row spacing and plant distance. The research was conducted at the INCDCSZ Brașov, within the Technology Department, Laboratory of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The density of planting is the most important factor. Plants sown in continuous rows showed the highest yields of fresh and dry herbs, especially when the distance between the rows was set to 25 cm. Row-by-row distances of 50 cm ensure average values for all growth and development parameters. An increase in the row-by-row distance up to 70 cm drastically reduced the dry biomass up to 7.89 t ha⁻¹ in continuous rows, followed by a 2 and 2.5 t ha⁻¹ decrease for 15 cm and 25 cm plant-by-plant distances, respectively. Continuous row planting and a 25 cm row-by-row distance negligibly reduce the climate impact on growth and development. Greater spaces between plants leads to an average increase in individual development, but with a decrease in the total potential yield. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of a phytocomplex product obtained using 10% hydroalcoholic extractive solutions, in equal proportions, from Ribes nigrum, Rubus idaeus, Rubus fruticosus and Fragaria moschata fresh fruits harvested from the spontaneous flora of Romania. These plant products were recognized for their rich antioxidant content. The phytochemical profile was assessed using HPLC chromatography and UV-Vis spectrometry. The obtained results highlighted the presence of complex bioactive compounds with antioxidant actions, namely anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and vitamin C. The antioxidant actions of the hydroalcoholic extractive solutions and the phytocomplex product were evaluated using chemiluminescence, electrochemical and superoxide dismutase (SOD) methods. The experimental results showed evident antioxidant activity in both the hydroalcoholic extracts and the phytocomplex product. Full article

In this study, the nutritional potential of some hazelnut varieties from the spontaneous flora of Romania was analyzed as a means to increase the sustainability of the local production. The chemical composition from hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from spontaneous flora was determined in terms of mineral substances, protein, as well as essential and non-essential amino acids. The eight amino acids investigated had the following average values: Arg—0.68 g/100 g, Phe—0.415 g/100 g, Ser—0.277 g/100 g, Glu—0.188 g/100 g, Asp—0.133 g/100 g, Pro—0.038 g/100 g, and Lys—0.031 g/100 g. The average values of metal content were in the ranges: 88.39–146.98 µg·g⁻¹ (Fe); 96.93–123.23 µg·g⁻¹(Zn); 46.68–100.38 µg·g⁻¹ (Cu); 26.00–87.78 µg·g⁻¹ (Mn); 4.87–32.19 µg·g⁻¹ (Ni); 1.87–2.84 µg·g⁻¹ (Cr); and 1.29–1.86 µg·g⁻¹ (Cd). Crude protein content values were in the range 16.33–22.31%. In order to harness this nutritional potential, the variety with superior quality indices was included, in the form of flour, in biscuit-type baked goods that were characterized from nutritional and sensory points of view. The results showed that the content of polyphenols increased with the addition of hazelnut flour, as did the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Full article

The purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of some thymus populations collected from five different locations in Western Romania. The chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) were studied through GC–MS, and the biological activities were evaluated using the microdilution method. The EO yield ranged between 0.44% and 0.81%. Overall, 60 chemical compounds were identified belonging to three chemotypes: thymol (three populations), geraniol (one population) and carvacrol (one population). Thymus vulgaris L. is distinguished by a high content of thymol, while species of spontaneous flora (Th. odoratissimus and Th. pulegioides) contain, in addition to thymol, appreciable amounts of carvacrol and geraniol. The antimicrobial activity of each the five oils was tested on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Esherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Haemophilus influenzae type B (ATCC 10211), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Candida parapsilopsis (ATCC 22019). The EOs showed biological activity on Gram-positive/Gram-negative/fungal pathogens, the most sensitive strains proving to be S. pyogenes, S. flexneri, S. typhimurium and C. parapsilopsis with an MIC starting at 2 µL EO/100 µL. The species sensitive to the action of Thymus sp. from culture or spontaneous flora are generally the same, but it should be noted that T. odoratissimus has a positive inhibition rate higher than other investigated EOs, regardless of the administered oil concentration. To date, there is no research work presenting the chemical and antimicrobial profiling of T. odoratissimus and the correlations between the antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of wild and cultivated populations of thyme (Thymus sp.) growing in Western Romania. Full article

(1) Background. An extensive survey of grapevine-sown cover crops and spontaneous weed flora was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in organic vineyards in six European countries (France, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland). Our main objective was to detect and identify the presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs species associated with black-foot disease on their roots. (2) Methods. Fungal isolations from root fragments were performed on culture media. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morph species were identified by analyzing the DNA sequence data of the histone H3 (his3) gene region. In all, 685 plants belonging to different botanical families and genera were analyzed. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs were recovered from 68 plants (9.9% of the total) and approximately 0.97% of the plated root fragments. (3) Results. Three fungal species (Dactylonectria alcacerensis, Dactylonectria torresensis, Ilyonectria robusta) were identified. Dactylonectria torresensis was the most frequent, and was isolated from many cover crop species in all six countries. A principal component analysis with the vineyard variables showed that seasonal temperatures and organic matter soil content correlated positively with Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs incidence. (4) Conclusions. The presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs on roots of cover crops suggests that they can potentially act as alternative hosts for long-term survival or to increase inoculum levels in vineyard soils. Full article

Natural plant protection products (known as biopesticides), derived from natural materials (plants, bacterial strains, and certain minerals) that can be used to control pests, are an alternative to plant protection chemicals (known as pesticides) due to certain advantages: less toxic to humans and the environment, no release/leaching of harmful residues, and usually much specific to the target pests. This review focuses on the systematization of information highlighting the main advantages related to the natural plant protection products used, the extractive methods of obtaining them, their physical-chemical analysis methodology, the specific constituents responsible for their pesticide effects, the mechanisms of action, and methods for direct application on vegetable crops or on seeds stored in warehouses, in order to eliminate the adverse effects occurred in the case of plant protection chemicals use. Special attention has been accorded to natural plant protection products from the spontaneous flora of Moldova (Romania’s macroeconomic region NE), which can be considered a resource of valuable secondary metabolites, especially in the form of vegetable essential oils, with biological effects and biopesticide routes of action. All presented information concludes that biopesticides can successfully replace the chemical plant protection products on small farms and especially in silos (seeds and cereals). Full article

This research was conducted in order to establish the effectiveness of two freeze-dried extracts obtained from blueberry processing byproducts resulting from juice manufacturing compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in delaying the lipid oxidation of sunflower oil subjected to high-temperature convective heating at 180 °C up to 12 h under simulated frying conditions. The fruits were harvested from spontaneous flora of two regions of Romania, Arieseni (Alba County) and Paltinis (Sibiu County) and the blueberry byproducts extracts (BBE) were noted according to the origin place as ABBE and PBBE. The progress of lipid thermo-oxidation was investigated in terms of peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), the response of TBA-malondialdehyde interactions assessed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, the total oxidation (TOTOX) value and inhibition of oil oxidation (IO). The recorded data highlighted that BBE exhibit a high inhibitory response on lipid thermo-oxidation. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent, thus, the degree of lipid oxidation was in reverse related to the BBE dose. The exposure of the oil samples supplemented with 800 ppm BBE (ABBE, PBBE) to a high-temperature heating for 12 h led to a significant decrease of the assessed indices compared to additives-free sunflower oil sample as follows: PV (46%; 45%), p-AV (21%; 17%), TOTOX (27%; 24%), TBA value (25%; 11%). Regarding the impact of the origin on the potential of BBE to inhibit the lipid oxidative degradation, it was noted that ABBE derived from blueberries grown in a region with a milder climate with moderate precipitations and higher temperatures showed a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid thermo-oxidation than PBBE. A moderate level of 500 ppm BBE inhibited the lipid oxidation similar to 200 ppm BHT. The reported results reveal that BBE represent efficient natural antioxidants that could be successfully applied to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of sunflower oil used in various high-temperature food applications. Full article

Blackberry pomace represents a valuable but underused byproduct of juice manufacturing. Its further applicability in various food systems is facilitated by detailed knowledge of its own bioactive potential. This study was focused on the investigation of the polyphenolic compound profile, total phenolic and ascorbic acid content, as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) coming from spontaneous flora of two different areas of Romania, Paltinis (Sibiu County) and Zugau (Arad County) and their fractions, juice and pomace, resulting from home-scale processing. To ensure a satisfactory shelf life, the blackberry pomace was subjected to convective drying (60 °C for 12 hours) and the impact of this treatment on the antioxidant properties was evaluated. No significant differences in the investigated characteristics according to the place of origin were recorded. However, a slight increase in the antioxidant properties of fruits and fractions from the Zugau region, characterized by higher temperatures and a lower precipitation regime, was noticed compared with samples derived from the Paltinis area. The drying of blackberry byproducts led to losses of 10–23% in the content of the investigated bioactive compounds and DPPH radical scavenging activity. A significant correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity and the total phenolic content has been recorded. Our findings are of interest in blackberry selection to enhance the level of bioactive compounds in the targeted products. The obtained results confirm that the blackberry processing byproducts may be regarded as a promising source of high-quality bioactive compounds and a proven radical scavenging capacity, representing a starting point for further analyses. This study responds to a global issue regarding fruit byproduct management in order to ensure the sustainable development of a circular economy. Full article