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Athalia rosae larvae attack can lead to complete defoliation of the plant leaving untouched the main veins. Knowing these aspects, in the western part of Romania, research was carried out aiming to reduce the population of Athalia rosae using acetamiprid applied in four doses (0.04 kg/ha; 0.06 kg/ha; 0.08 kg/ha ; 0.1 kg/ha). The effectiveness of the treatments in respect of larval population reduction was determined at 3, 6 and 9 days after application. At the time of treatments spraying, the population level of Athalia rosea showed close and statistically undifferentiated values, between 0.23 and 0.4 larvae/plant. It was observed that, both, the period and the treatment, had a real influence on the number of larvae during the study. Six days after the treatment, the number of larvae was significantly reduced, followed by a increases in the next period. During the study, the treatment applied at 0.08 kg/ha exerted the highest efficiency in terms of Athalia rosea larvae control, registering values of 95.70 and 90.18% after six and nine days after application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of the autumn wheat crop requires the application of some general technologies, but improved with innovative and specific technological sequences, depending on the evolution of the vegetation cycle and the expected production components. The researches were performed during the 2020-2022, in the experimental field of NARDI Fundulea and aimed to study the influence of agrotechnical practices on the yields and quality of wheat. The paper presents the results obtained in experiences with sowing dates and plant density, under non-irrigation condition, in the south of the country. Recording a stable and high production of autumn wheat is possible if a good sowing quality is ensured and the optimal sowing interval and plant density per m2 are observed. The variability of individual productivity of wheat plants can increase with the delay of the sowing date by up to 10-20% for the number of grains/plant and between 10-25% for the weight of grains/plant, and these lead to a decrease for production per hectare with 1000-3000 kg/ha. The variation of climatic conditions influenced negatively wheat yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide abiotic stress factors such as excessive temperature, precipitation, drought, salinity, soil pH, greenhouse gases, ultraviolet (UVB) radiation, and air pollution pose a persistent threat to both diseases and plants affecting hostpathogen relationship depending on geographical and temporal distribution of inoculum amount and cultivars susceptibility. Leaf rust of rye, which is caused by Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis (Roberge ex. Desmaz) has become one of the most important limiting factors for rye production in Central and Eastern Europe. During 2020-2021 growing season, a plant-pathogen interaction profile was observed on four rye genotypes in a randomized complete block design with three replications in dry area from Research and Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands Dăbuleni in south of Romania. Adult plant partial resistance was assessed through host response and epidemiological parameters as final rust severity (FRS), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC), coefficient of infection (CI) and infection rate (IR). The response of rye genotypes to leaf rust included different variation in resistance reaction ranging from moderately resistant to very susceptible. A negative and highly significant correlation of AUDPC with grain yield (r = -0.9222***) was found during 2020-2021 cropping season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to present alternative against the pathogen Pyrenophora teres (anamorph Drechslera teres) which parasitizes barley crop in western parts of Romania even beginning with late autumn period, observing the evolution and symptoms spreading of this fungus. Across the world, Pyrenophora teres causing the net blotch of barley is regarded as the major foliar disease in Hordeum vulgare L. Throughout its two form of Phyrenophora teres, however different from genetical point of view, P. teres f. sp. maculata and P. teres f. sp. teres causes economic losses by reducing yield and grain quality and poor emergence in area with a high biological pressure of the pathogen. The trial extends for two years (2019-2020, 2020-2021) in the same area of cropping (monoculture system) using same seed treatment list and following the seed-borne cereal fungi assessment protocol [(EPPO 1/19 (4)]. Trial setup consisted in complete randomized blocks, 6 treatments like fludioxinil, fluxapyroxad and mixture, every plot measuring 10 m2 and observations performed an al plants/1 m in length sample. When treated with two active ingredients the result obtained exerts an efficacy up to 98%, maintained in both trial years compared with the untreated plots where the pathogen was well established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire blight (FB) caused by Erwinia amylovora, is a bacterial plant disease that poses a significant threat to pome fruit production worldwide. It can cause extensive losses in fruit yields, damage orchards and lead to trade restrictions on fruit exports. Fire Blight (FB) can also affect the longevity and productivity of fruit trees, further exacerbating the economic burden on growers and increasing management expenses. Because Erwinia amylovora is a regulated pest in most countries of the EPPO region its phytosanitary monitoring is mandatory in order to prevent the disease extension and new outbreaks. The inspections were required during the growing season (from after flowering until late summer), when the signs were obvious to find the disease. Thus, during 2022 a phytosanitary monitoring plan of Fire Blight was organized by Phytosanitary Office from Dolj County, Romania and the results emphasized that the apple area infected with Erwinia amylovora represents 3.85% from the total apple trees area (1,558 ha), 27% from the total surface of pear trees (36 ha) and 100 % for quince trees (2 ha). Comparatively with the results of Fire Blight monitoring realized previous year (2021), in 2022 was identified one new outbreak, but only for apple trees. Also, among all assessed trees (348) 260 trees include Malus domestica (apple). Among the measures applied for Fire Blight control the most effective were reducing the bacterial inoculum by manual removal of infected shoots and even uprooting of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change and human activity, biotic constrainers are anticipated to expand to regions where they were previously irrelevant. This will present new management challenges for crops, particularly in cropping systems dependent on minor cereals diversification. In Central and Eastern Europe, Secale cereale is a minor cereal that contributes to the diversity of crop species, particularly in marginal areas where wheat cultivation is unfavourable. During 2020-2021, using different chemical and biological pesticide formulations, a plant-pest-pathogen interaction profile was observed on Suceveana rye genotype in a randomized complete block design with three replications in dry area from South of Romania. The best protection against leaf rust (Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis) was provided by Poliversum (Pythium oligandrum M1, 1×10.000.000 oospors/g product) for the 1st assessment - attack degree = 0.65% and for the 2nd assessment - attack degree = 1.42%, while against pests was provided by Bioinsekt and deltametrin (0.75 ml/ha). Negative and significant correlation of leaf rust attack with grain yield (r =-0.8561***) and pests attack with grain yield (r =-0.8631***) were found during 2020-2021 cropping season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phomopsis mali Roberts (Phomopsis fruit tree canker) is a fungus that infects the fruit tree trunks, branches and sprigs. There were described more than 60 species of Phomopsis. Every of the species is identified in general after the size of the conidia and after the host from which was isolated, the precise identification being sometimes difficult. Phomopsis is a fungus that can produce serious damages in production because it affects the fruitful sprigs. On the other hand, in case of massive attacks it can lead to the fruit trees decline. In the young orchards cultivated in ecologic super-intensive system, the young trees can die in the case of severe infections. The purpose of this research was to identify the Phomopsis fungus in an ecologic super-intensive apple orchard from Arad County (western Romania), in the first two years after the plantation. The biological material used was consisting in six samples sets (sprigs, stems, branches and roots) collected from four apple varieties (Primiera/M9, Crimson Crisp/M9, Golden Orange/M9 and GoldRush/M9). The identification of the disease and of the pathogen was done using visual and laboratory methods. In laboratory was identified the fungus with the humid chamber method and by placement of diseased tissue samples on culture medium followed by incubation at 23 - 24oC for seven days. The branches, sprigs and stems were analysed at stereomicroscope too. Under the cracked bark were identified numerous pycnidia of black colour and pear shaped, specific to the Phomopsis mali fungus. There were noticed young and old fructifications, the old ones were from the previous year or even from the precedent years. The obtained results after the visual analysis of the trees in the orchard and after the laboratory analyses highlighted the presence of the fungus Phomopsis mali. There were highlighted at the microscope the alpha and beta conidia, typical for this fungus. In the orchard all the trees were presenting symptoms specific to the Phomopsis fruit tree canker. The trees covered with numerous canker lesions were died. At the assessment time the dead trees rate on varieties was the following: Primiera – 16.5%, Crimson Crisp – 1.7%, Golden Orange – 16.1%, and Gold Rush – 17.2%. From all the analysed apple varieties only Crimson Crisp had reacted well to the attack of the Phomopsis mali fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food loss and waste is a global issue worldwide, posing a real challenge to both food security and sustainability. The productivity of our food system is reduced by food loss and waste, which can result in lower incomes for farmers and higher costs for food consumers. Food loss and waste occur at different levels along the food chain supply in production, postproduction procedures, processing, distribution and consumption. Concrete targets to reduce food loss and waste are necessary to be set at country levels focused on specific particularities. Thus, for developed countries the focus should be on waste, while for developing countries the focus should be on food loss, but also considering best solutions for reducing food waste in the future. The present review considers the most important data and relevant literature on this topic in order to offer significant insights and to identify knowledge gaps within literature. The present research should increase the interest for multifaced solutions to reduce food loss and waste in order to increase food security. Thus, short and long term solutions refer to proper identification of food loss and waste gaps along food chain supply, e-commerce platforms for products marketing, rethinking standards on aesthetic requirements for fruits and vegetables, shorter value chain in order to put the farmers in direct contact with markets and consumers, improved packaging during transport of fresh products, investing in agtech, biotechnology, smart packaging and consumers' education in using food and food-related resources more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal rot of the sunflower roots and stems is present worldwide in all the areas with arid climate where is determining major loses. The etiologic agent of this disease is the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina considered as invasive due to its great range of host plants (over 500 species) and the very high harvest loses of the cultivated crops, mostly sunflower. The present climate changes are favouring the spread of the disease in areas where it wasn't present before. The climatic simulations realised until now in Europe shows the adaptation trend of the fungus in areas from Central and Southern Europe. The survival of the pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina in soil for long time periods makes its control almost impossible. In this work it was brought to attention the state of the art of the researches regarding the symptomatology, pathogeny, epidemiology and the control of this pathogen in conjunction with the climate change. The control strategies should highlight the prevention methods and the biological ones and less attention to be addressed to the chemical ones. The fungal and bacterial agents can be in future a viable alternative for the control of the pathogen M. phaseolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European plum (Prunus domestica) is one of the fruit tree species cultivated around the world for fresh consumption, prunes (dried fruits), smoked plums, in jams or jellies, juices, plum purée as a baby food, liqueur, distilled into a 'brandy' or spirits, having also a large potential for rural and metropolitan zones landscaping. The experiment was conducted during 2020 year to individual trees in a randomized compete block design in four replicate blocks (10 plum trees/block) within a private plum orchard in the proximity of Craiova city, Dolj county, Romania and included ʻVâlceanʼ plum variety and four rootstocks (Oteşani 8, Pixy, Miroval, Roşior văratic). The study assessed the architecture of root system, in thickness and variable depths, at 1 and 2 meters away from trunk. For 0-3 mm root thickness category Miroval rootstock has developed the highest roots number (104 roots) at 1m distance from the trunk, while at 2 m trunk distance the best root system development was noticed in Roşior văratic rootstock (58 roots). Among all plum rootstocks included in the experiment Miroval had the most performant root system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to cause the spread of pathogens and pests in areas where they have not been relevant before, bringing new challenges for cropping systems based on crops diversification by minor cereals. Rye is a minor cereal that contributes to crop species diversity in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in marginal environments unfavourable for wheat production. During 2019-2020, a plant-pest-pathogen interaction profile was observed on Suceveana rye genotype in a randomized complete block design in dry area from Research and Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands Dabuleni in South of Romania. The best protection against leaf rust was provided by Dithane M 45+Bioinsekt (the 1st assessment = 2.98%; the 2nd assessment = 4.86%), while the best control against pests was provided by Mimox+Bioinsekt (the 1st assessment = 0.83%) and Mimox+ Decis Expert 100 EC (the 2nd assessment = 1.03%). For pests and leaf rust control was noticed the synergistic effect of insecticides and fungicides used in the experiment. Negative and significant correlations of attack degrees with grain yield (r =-0.7886**, respectively r = -0.8332**) were noticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 years, the demand for spelt wheat has increased rapidly and was anticipated that it will continuate to increase with a rate of about 5% annually. The demand is determined by the consumers perceptions and by the scientific proofs that highlight that spelt wheat has a higher nutritional value compared with common wheat. The purpose of this research was to determinate the Fusarium spp. contamination level of the spelt wheat grains treated with bio-fungicide in comparison with the non-treated variants. The biological material used in this research was the spelt winter wheat variety Rokosz. The obtained results after the incubation of the samples show the presence of the fungus Fusarium spp. in the spelt wheat grains from all the variants. The contamination index determined was 73% in the non-treated variant and 80% in the treated one. The insignificant difference was considered to be influenced by the fact that spelt wheat grains are covered with hull, that being the reason why the bio-fungicide doesn't adhere to the seed surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blumeria graminis (DC) f. sp. avenae Em. Marchal (powdery mildew) fungus is considered an important foliar pathogen for oat that can affect the yield and the quality, mainly in the years with cool and humid weather. Climate conditions in the spring of 2019 in Banat Plain (Lovrin area) were favourable for infections. The research objective was to identify the oat lines with good resistance to powdery mildew. Thus, there were monitored 15 oat lines. The research method applied was the calculation of the incidence, severity and infection degree of the fungus. The relative resistance of the oat lines was set by comparing the infection degree of the tested material with the oat line that had the highest sensitivity to the attack of the pathogen. The frequency of the plants with powdery mildew symptoms was comprised between 5% and 100%. The infection severity had values between 10% and 70%. The most resistant oat line from the experience was 2509 and the most sensitive was 2515. The resistant lines could be used to the creation of some productive oat varieties with a good resistance to the attack of powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent statistical data and market studies have shown that the microgreens market is on a continuously upward trend in Europe and globally due to their healthier and nutritious qualities and for fast adoption of indoor and vertical farming especially in the cities. Worldwide the microgreens become of great interest due to their benefits for people`s health and beauty, being 40 times more nutritious than mature vegetables, increasing also the amount of available space that might be put into food production, with environmental benefits and economic profitability. The evolution of microgreens market to its real development potential depends of consumers behaviour and income level. Microgreens are considered ‘desert food’ by their huge potential to provide food in marginal areas affected by climate change becoming a part of sustainable farming. The present study pursued the evaluation of microgreens global market trends and forward statements in order to identify them as a potential profitable business in the era of Covid 19 pandemic when farmers should adapt food production to the new economic and social contexts. The study showed an increased consumer interest for “healthy” products, so that the change according to their behaviour shall generate an increase in the microgreens market worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent grasslands in Romania represent an important resource for animal breeders because they represent a very high rate from the total agricultural land. The problems characteristic for many grassland surfaces from lowland area are mainly degradation determined by overgrazing, improper management or the lack of the management works. The aspects related with the management of permanent grasslands from Romania are regulated by a national law (34/2013 with the latest updates) that imposes to the permanent grassland owners (private and public) to elaborate a Grassland Management Planning that is based on the preliminary evaluation of the grassland’s vegetation and the problems found there. The planning sets the proper measures for permanent grassland use and maintenance of the vegetation cover. This work is a case study that takes in consideration six permanent grasslands from lowland area of western Romania that are in public ownership and rented by private animal breeders. The purpose of the work was to determinate the application of the Grassland Management Planning that is reflected in the grassland vegetation quality and biodiversity. The results obtained show that the forager value of the analysed grasslands is low according with the pastoral value obtained. Thus, biodiversity expressed as Shannon index is relatively high, but this fact is due to a great number of annual weed species that colonizes the grasslands, their origin being the surrounding access ways and the arable land from the vicinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID 19 pandemic is one of the greatest threats of the 21st century that disturbed whole human`s life and all sectors of the global economy. Due to highly infectious and spreading capacity of SARS-CoV-2 the governments took unprecedented measures worldwide with a great impact on the most vulnerable groups (people affected by chronically hunger, malnourished children and small farmers) and sectors. Agriculture is the most important economic sector that cares the responsibility for food security and human development. The present paper identifies and synthetize relevant literature to provide an integrated overview of the current state-of-knowledge on the economic impact of COVID 19 pandemic on agriculture and food security, including also forward-looking statements on future measures to mitigate the effects on crop production, food demand, agricultural products supply, inputs supply, agricultural products market, farmers` income and rural poverty. The study emphasizes that due to the mobility restrictions, decline in international trade, reduced purchasing power, disturbance in food production and food processing, food insecurity may arise affecting especially the small farmers from the regions already affected by poverty, climate change and conflicts. Therefore, the governments and international organizations should enforce the measures to control the pandemic, with minimum economic losses, without disturbing the food supply chain and re-enforcing the food security of their citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire Blight (FB) caused by Erwinia amylovora is the most feared bacterial disease in the genus Malus and other genera belonging to Rosaceae family, causing severe losses in orchards in favourable years, unmarketable fruits quality and even completely trees dieback, especially in highly susceptible genotypes. Currently E. amylovora is of quarantine concern in many countries all over the world and continue to conquer new territories. During 2018-year, six apple genotypes ('Golden Delicious', 'Idared', 'Gala', 'Jonagold', 'Fuji' and 'Jonathan'), within an orchard located in the proximity of Craiova city, Romania, have been assessed for their response to the infection to Erwinia amylovora and the impact of the pathogen attack on fruits yield and quality. The response of apple genotypes to the Fire Blight (FB) attack ranged from moderately resistant/susceptible ('Golden Delicious' and 'Fuji') to highly susceptible ('Idared', 'Gala', 'Jonagold' and 'Jonathan') depending on genetic background and environmental conditions. Fruits chemical parameters Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Total acidity (TA), Total Sugar (TS) were significantly affected by the pathogen attack in all apple varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns impact plants biotic constrainers worldwide affecting host-pathogen relationship depending on geographical and temporal distribution of inoculum amount and cultivars susceptibility. Leaf rust of rye, which is caused by the obligate biotrophic basidiomycete Puccinia recondite f. sp. secalis (Roberge ex. Desmaz) has become one of the most important limiting factors for rye production in Central and Eastern Europe. During 2019-2020 growing season, a plant-pathogen interaction profile was observed on four rye genotypes in a randomized complete block design with three replications in dry area from Research and Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands Dăbuleni in south of Romania. Adult plant partial resistance was assessed through host response and epidemiological parameters as final rust severity (FRS), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC), coefficient of infection (CI) and infection rate (IR). The response of rye genotypes to leaf rust included different variation in resistance reaction ranging from moderately resistant (Serafino, Bintto), moderately susceptible (Inspector) and very susceptible (Suceveana). A negative and highly significant correlation of AUDPC with grain yield (r =-0.9194***) was found during 2019-2020 cropping season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proven to be the first pathogenic bacterium of plants, Erwinia amylovora causes Fire Blight which is nowadays one of the most devastating disease of apples and pears in many parts of the world, especially in temperate ones. The current paper assessed in natural conditions of infection in 2016 year, the impact of fire blight on four pear genotypes (cv. Napoca, Red Bartlett, Beurre Bosc, Curè) within a plantation located in the proximity of Craiova city, using Area under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) and the impact of pathogen attack on fruits yield and sugars content. The response of tested pear genotypes to the fire blight attack ranged on a large scale of variability depending on the genotype resistance or sensitivity to disease and environmental conditions. The most susceptible pear variety to fire blight was Curè, which also proved the lowest yielding capacity and sugar content in fruits under fire blight impact. AUDPC values ranged from 164 to 376 with unfavorable impact on fruits yield and sugar content (R2 = 0.9799; R2 = 0.9557). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]