* “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania
** University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Romania

Abstract: The results presented in this paper belong to the project “Elaborarea de solutii si tehnici de cultura neconventionale si nepoluante la plantele ornamentale, în contextul dezvoltarii durabile – The elaboration of unconventional and unpollutant solutions and culture techniques, in stable usage context” and is focused on the identification of structural modifications of Chrysanthemum indicum L. stem, as a consequence of treating plants with 3 types of foliar fertilizers and biostimulants (Maxiroot, Dacmarinur Maxi N, Aurora) in 3 variants of concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%). The cross sections through the stem indicate a variable diameter, depending on the concentration and the applied product. The modifications appeared in the sclerification and lignification degree, development of the pith, cortex, conductive and mechanic tissues. The study recommends the usage of unpollutant foliar fertilizers and biostimulants based on plant extract, in order to develop the elements which increase plant resistance in sustaining the inflorescence, favoring their utilitarian (economic) aspects of maintaining “cut flowers”.

Key words: anatomic modifications, stem, Chrysanthemum indicum, fertilizers, biostimulants

* “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania

Abstract: The results presented in this paper belong to the project “Elaborarea de solutii si tehnici de cultura neconventionale si nepoluante la plantele ornamentale, în contextul dezvoltarii durabile – The elaboration of unconventional and unpollutant solutions and culture techniques, in stable usage context” and presents the testing of three fertilizers and biostimulants (Maxiroot, Dacmarinur Maxi N, Aurora) upon the foliar limb of Chrysanthemum indicum L.; they were applied in 3 variants of concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%). The identification of the impact of the fertilizers has been analyzed by identifying the modifications of the foliar limb and middle vein, a comparative analysis of the number of epidermic cells and stomata which belong to both upper and lower epidermis, as well as measuring the dimension of stomata. In all applied products, a few differences appeared in comparison with the blank sample.

Key words: fertilizers and biostimulants, anatomic structure, foliar limb, Chrysanthemum indicum

* Botanical Garden “D. Brandza”, University of Bucharest, Romania
** Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden “Jevremovac”, University of Belgrade

Abstract: Leaf epidermis has been used as character in taxonomy of Poaceae family since the 1930s. The purpose of present study was to determine leaf epidermal features helpful in distinguishing two species of Sesleria genus – Sesleria heufleriana Schur and Sesleria uliginosa Opiz.
Both the abaxial and the adaxial epidermis have been examinated for each species.
So both examined species have Festucoid type of epidermis, but differences of some epidermal features exist at the species level. This include variation in number and size of epidermal cells and distribution patterns of stomata.

Key words: Sesleria, epidermis, anatomy

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE LEAVES ON SOME ROSES WITH EMPHASIS ON SECRETORY GLANDS
GOSTIN IRINA* , ADUMITRESEI LIDIA**

* University „Alexandru Ioan Cuza”, Faculty of Biology, Iasi, Romania
** University „Alexandru Ioan Cuza”, Botanical Garden „Anastasie Fatu” Iasi, Romania

Abstract: The multicellular glands, the epicuticular wax and the tector hairs observed on the leaves are influenced usually by genetic constitution.
The paper investigating 8 genetically related varieties: ‘Foc de Tabara’, ’Luchian’ ‘Paprika’, ‘Coup De Foudre’, ‘Independence’, ‘M-me A. Meilland’, ‘Cocktail’, ‘Laminuette’.
The micromorphological studies evidencing some characters with a certain value for diagnosis. These may be used in investigation concerning to the identification when the flower is absent.
Our study underlines micromorphology aspects of glands, epicuticular wax and tector hairs. All of them were been examinating through scanning electron microscopy method.

Key words: rose varieties, secretory glands, epicuticular wax, leaves micromorphology

EFFICIENT MICROPROPAGATION FROM COTYLEDONARY NODE CULTURES OF COMMIPHORA WIGHTII (ARN.) BHANDARI, AN ENDANGERED MEDICINALLY IMPORTANT DESERT PLANT
TARUN KANT*, SUSHMA PRAJAPATI*, ASHOK KUMAR PARMAR*

* Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding Division, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur 342005, India

Abstract: Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, is a medicinal important desert species of the family Burseraceae. It is a well known for its valuable active principle found in its oleo-gum-resin (guggulsterone E and Z), which are used in drugs preparation for lowering the cholesterol level in human body. Due to its overexploitation, poor natural regeneration this valuable plant is on the verge of extinction and thus a IUCN Red listed species. In the present study we report development of an efficient micropropagation protocol from cotyledonary node of Commiphora wightii. Cotyledonary nodes were used as an explants and multiple microshoots were obtained on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.68 µM a-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 4.44 µM 6-Benzylamino purine (BAP) and on 2.68 µM NAA; 4.44 µM BAP with additives (glutamine 684.2 µM; thiamine 29.65 µM; activated charcoal 0.3%) and various other hormonal combinations. Elongation of microshoot was significantly observed on the 2.46 µM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 2.22 µM BAP supplemented MS medium. Efficient rooting was obtained on pretreated microshoot (4.92 µM IBA for 24 hours) and followed by transfer to White’s medium without Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) and high concentration of activated charcoal (AC). Rooted micro-shoots were transferred to vermiculite and wetted with Hoagland’s solution for primary hardening for 4-5 weeks and then finally transferred to plastic cups containing vermiculite, placed in mist chamber. Plantlets were transferred to soil: FYM 1:1 containing poly-bags, then to green shade house for complete acclimatization and finally transplanted to the experimental field.

Key words: medicinal plant, Commiphora wightii, guggulsterone, budbreak, acclimatization

TRICHODERMA VIRIDE PERS. – EXPERIMENTAL MODEL FOR BIOLOGICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF MYCROMYCETA WITH IMPORTANCE IN OBTAINING PLANT PROTECTION BIOPRODUCTS
SESAN TATIANA EUGENIA*, OANCEA FLORIN**

* Department of Botany & Microbiology, Biology Faculty, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalilor, nr. 1-3, sector 6, RO-060101Bucuresti 35, Romania
** Research-Development Institute for Plant Protection Bucharest, Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, Bdul Ion Ionescu de la Brad, nr. 8, sector 1, 013811 Bucuresti 18, Romania

Abstract: The technological process for obtaining plant protection bioproducts contains 2 main phases: (i) biomass biosynthesis of microorganisms in a culture medium, available for industrialization and (ii) biomass conditioning of microorganism, the antagonistic micromycetes, respectively. For this type of activities it is essential to establish biological development parameters: (i) the optimum composition of the liquid culture medium for development of the fungus under aerobiotic conditions and (ii) the optimal parameters of biosynthesis in the studied medium. The biomass biosynthesis technology is discontinuous, of cascade type, and develops several phases: (1) preparing of the laboratory inoculum, (2) preparing of the fungal pure culture in Erlenmeyer bottles, (3) industrial (simulated) multiplication in the aired and agitated liquid medium.
This paper presents some experimental aspects referring to: 1 – Characterization of the biologically active T. viride isolates, establishing and verifying of their biological thresholds; 2 – Evaluation and experimental verifying of the mass multiplication ability of antagonistic T. viride fungi on the culture media in order to select the optimum industrial culture substrate (medium); 3 – Biochimical characterization of T. viride isolates by electrophoretic analysis of their protein profile; 4 – Evaluation of the T. viride biological activity of T. viride isolates against phytopathogenic fungi with high practical importance: Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (T. Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch), F. culmorum (W. G. Sm.) Sacc., Pythium ultimum Trow, Botrytis cinerea Pers., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, Alternaria spp. [A. alternata (Fr.) Keissl., Alternaria radicina Meier, Drechsler and E. D. Eddy (Stemphylium radicinum (Meier, Drechsler and E. D. Eddy) Neerg.)] etc.; 5 – Processing of technological scheme for obtaining plant protection preparates based on biologically active isolates of T. viride.

Key words: antagonistic micromycetes, Trichoderma viride, electrophoretic analysis, plant protection bioproducts

* „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, „Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, Dumbrava Rosie, no. 7-9, Romania
** „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Bd., no. 20A, Romania

Abstract: This paper presents a series of observations made at the historical monuments in Moldavia region, where they could show some cases which causes the appearance of macromycetes on wood. We maintained as significant a number of 13 species of macromycetes which were reported with greater frequency on construction wood, but also were included and species which are considered important agents of deterioration for wood: Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulfen) P. Karst., Gloeophyllum abietinum (Bull.) P. Karst., Schizophyllum commune Fr., Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst., Serpula lacrymans (Wulfen) J. Schröt. etc. In the presence of a source of infection, it was found in some cases favorable conditions to the development of the sporiferous bodies. The number of attacks of macromycetes on historical monuments in Moldavia and the rate of the degradations on wood depend on a number of factors which were presented according to their importance in the overall process of preserving the timber used in construction. There were identified areas where the resistance of wood has been changed due to the destructive action of physical factors (improper humidity, temperature etc.) and especially because of the installation on this type of organic material of a considerable number of bodies from the various groups.

Key words: wood, macromycetes, biodeterioration, historical monuments

* Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Department of Horticulture, Târgu-Mures, Romania
** Savaria Museum, Department of Natural History, Szombathely, Hungary

Abstract: Although in the neighbouring countries several perennial Helianthus taxa have been recorded in the last decade, in Romania only three have been identified so far. The literature and herbaria data of Târgu-Mures date back to the end of the XIX^th century, and only refer to H. × multiflorus and H. tuberosus.
The aim of this study was to identify the perennial Helianthus taxa in this region and to prepare their current distribution map. The survey was conducted in Târgu Mures city and the neighbouring villages: Livezeni, Sântana de Mures, Sâncraiu de Mures, Sângeorgiu de Mures, and Corunca.
Four taxa were identified: H. pauciflorus Nutt., H. × laetiflorus Pers., H. tuberosus L. s.str., and Helianthus tuberosus L. s.l. The first two taxa are cultivated as ornamental plants, H. tuberosus s. str. is cultivated in a few farms, whereas H. tuberosus s. l. is an invasive species that spreads along the rivers.

Key words: Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem Artichoke, H. pauciflorus, H. × laetiflorus, invasive plants, ornamental plants, Târgu-Mures

* Biological Research Institute of Iasi, Romania
** University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Agriculture, 3, Mihail Sadoveanu Street, Iasi, Romania

Abstract: This study is a contribution to the knowledge of the vegetation of some mesotrophic - eutrophic marshes, of topogenic origin, which are located in the hilly area of Neamt county, namely: Unghi, Bahna Mare, Râscolnita, Borseni, and Bornis (Dragomiresti commune). The vascular flora of these marshes is characterized by the presence of some fairly rare plant species, into the Romanian flora, e. g.: Angelica palustris, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Ligularia sibirica, and Menyanthes trifoliata. Among the plant associations identified in the field, the next ones are rather rare in the region: ass. Caltho laetae – Ligularietum sibiricae Stefan et al. 2000, ass. Salicetum cinereae Zólyomi 1931, ass. Carici flavae – Eriophoretum latifolii Soó 1944, and so forth. The floristic and phytocoenologic richness of these marshes of Moldavia, their authenticity, their character not yet altered by the human activities, the surprising presence here of some rare relict species into the Romanian flora, are true reasons to promote all of these areas as protected ones, in the near future. Also, for the marshes of “Unghi” and “Bahna Mare”, we would like to make proposals as these to be included under the “Natura 2000” European network of protected areas.

Key words: mesotrophic - eutrophic marshes, vegetation, rare plant species, natural habitats, Eastern Romania

* Botanic Garden ”Anastasie Fatu”, str. Dumbrava Rosie, no. 7-9, Iasi, Romania

Abstract: The paper presents eight vegetal communities (Junco-Molinietum coeruleae Preising in R. Tx. et Preising ex Klapp 1954, Calthetum laetae Krajina 1933, Scirpetum sylvatici Ralski 1931, Epilobio-Juncetum effusi Oberd. 1957, Cirsietum rivularis Nowinski 1928, Angelico-Cirsietum oleracei R. Tx. 1937, Filipendulo-Geranietum palustris W. Koch 1926, Deschampsietum caespitosae Hayek ex Horvatic 1930) from Molinietalia Koch 1926 (Molinio-Arrhenatheretea R. Tx. 1937) identified in Neagra Brostenilor hydrographic basin. These are analyzed from the chorology, floristic and phytosociological composition, bio-forms, floristic elements and ecological requests perspectives.

Key words: vegetal associations, Molinietalia, Neagra Brostenilor

ECOLOGICAL STATUS AND IMPACT OF DISTURBANCE IN AN ALPINE PASTURE OF GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA
MANOJ DHAULAKHANDI*, GOVIND S. RAJWAR*, MUNESH KUMAR**

* Department of Botany, Govt. Post Graduate College, Rishikesh 249201, Uttarakhand, India
** Department of Forestry, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal 246174, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract: The alpine area in Garhwal Himalaya is highly fragile and is known for its beautiful flora and fauna. The study area was located just below the Gangotri glacier which is the origin of Bhagirathi, a holy river of India. Pilgrimage, tourism, adventure activities and mules are the factors responsible for causing disturbance in this area. There is a remarkable variation in the values of diversity, species richness, dominance, density IVI and biomass production at Bhojbasa Protected (BP) and Bhojbasa Disturbed (BD) sites. The value of liveshoot biomass was highest in August (444 g m^-2 on BP and 80 g m^-2 on BD sites). Belowground biomass was also recorded highest for BP site and lowest for BD site. The ANP value at BP site was 363 g m^-2 y^-1 and 26 g m^-2 y^-1 at BD site.
This area has shown decrease in diversity and productivity, and heavy soil erosion that indicate the consequence of increasing human activities due to pilgrimage, tourism and camping and frequent movement of mules carrying goods. Therefore, this area requires strict measures for biodiversity conservation and disaster mitigation.


Key words: alpine pasture, biomass, primary productivity, compartmental transfer

* INCDO-INOE Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Cluj-Napoca, 67 Donath, 400293, Romania
** Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 15 Constantin Daicoviciu, Romania

Abstract: In order to evaluate the mobility of heavy metals in soil from Baia Mare mining region, the total, water and DTPA extractable metal contents were determined. The results showed that despite the high total metals contents and the high percentages of plant available metals only a low percent was water soluble, indicating a potential accumulation of metals in trophic chain and a potential risk for public health. Among the investigated metals, the plant available Pb and Cd species are the most severe contaminants. Significant correlations between total and DTPA extractable metals were found for Cu (r=0.510) and Pb (0.418), and also an affinity between total and water extractable metals were identified for Cu (0.366), Pb (0.502) and Zn (0.597).

Key words: Heavy metals availability, DTPA extraction, soil, mining

* Biological Research Institute of Iasi, Romania
** „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Bd., no. 20A, Romania
*** „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, „Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, Dumbrava Rosie, no. 7-9, Romania

Abstract: He was born on February 9^th 1900, only son of a poor family in the Cuciurul Mic village from the old County named Chernivtsi (today in Ukraine). He did the primary classes in his native village, and the middle and high school in Chernivtsi. He graduated in 1925, the Department of Natural Sciences, University of Chernivtsi. After his graduation Emilian Topa enters into secondary education level, where he worked for the next years (between 1925 and 1943 - at the “Mihai Eminescu” girls High School, the Pedagogic Seminar of University and the School of health officers). Also in this period becomes botany assistant at the University of Chernivtsi, the Chair Professor Gusuleac, where he worked no more than 17 years. During this period he had the responsibility and leadership for the botanical garden from the same city. It then becomes Assistant Botany at Bucharest University (1940-1941), lecturer at Chernivtsi University (1942-1943), lecturer (delegation) for applied botany at the Polytechnic Institute “Gheorghe Asachi” of Iasi (1945-1946), conservator at the Museum of the Botanical Garden in Cluj (1946-1947). Between 1948 and 1953 is geobotany lecturer at University of Cluj and, simultaneously, an associate professor of pharmaceutical botany at the Medico-Pharmaceutical Institute in the same city (1948-1951). From 1952 to 1959, we meet him as director of the Botanical Garden of the University of Cluj, and from 1963 until his retirement in 1970, is director of the Botanical Gardens of Iasi.
Emilian Topa held a prolific and sustainable scientific research, educational or cultural, national or social, during no less than 60 years. Thus, he has published over 200 books, articles, studies and scientific reviews in different areas: plant taxonomy, plant ecology and chorology, phytosociology, phylogeny, phytopathology, phytotherapy, ethnobotanical, nature protection, ornamental flora, Romanian or European botanical histories etc.
His doctoral thesis, titled “Halophile vegetation in northern Romania in relation to the rest of the country”, was published in the Bulletin of Faculty of Science from Chernivtsi, in 1939.
He was the main contributor to “Ethnobotanical dictionary”, written by Al. Borza, and published by the Romanian Academy in 1968. He participated, along with Eugen Ghisa and Ionel Pop, at the four volumes of “Romanian Encyclopedic Dictionary” (published between 1962 and 1966). He participated in all 10 national conferences of geobotany organized between 1960 and 1970.
In the field of botany has published numerous scientific articles who made valuable contributions to the chorology of vascular plants, first from Bukovina and then from the other parts of Romania. An important contribution is represented by the his collaboration to the monumental work “Flora of Romania”, initiated by Traian Savulescu, in his capacity as President of the Romanian Academy in that time (early 50's of last century). So, the botanist Emilian Topa has processed no more than 207 species in 91 genera and 38 botanical families and nine genera of the family Leguminosae (working as at 9 of the 13 volumes of the work previously cited).
He made notable contributions in the field of phytosociology, first by studying halophile vegetation in northern Romania (being consecrated as the first European monographer for halophile vegetation in the temperate zone), and then contribute to the knowledge of the other types of vegetation in our country. Thus, his name is linked to the description of some caenotaxa new to science, among which we mention here: Cl. Puccinellio-Salicornietea Topa 1939, and several plant associations.
He worked on “Flora Romaniae Exsiccata” published in Cluj-Napoca (with more than 5,000 sheets of Herbarium), and “Herbarium Mycologicum” (initiated by Traian Savulescu since 1928). His is due the resumption of publication of the prestigious publication “Bulletin of the Botanical Garden from Cluj” (founded by Al. Borza and discontinued in 1948), under the new name “Botanical Contributions”.
He died on February 10, 1987, and was buried beside his wife, Stefania, at the cemetery of „Sfintii Atanasie si Chiril” Church near Botanical Gardens of Iasi.

* Botanic Garden ”Anastasie Fatu”, str. Dumbrava Rosie, no. 7-9, Iasi, Romania