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Mechanical soil disturbance is one among the key factors influencing soil biodiversity in agriculture. Although many soil organisms are sensitive to soil disturbance, fungi could be highly impacted due to their sessile lifestyle, relatively slow growth and filamentous body structure. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are of particular interest in arable lands, providing crop plants with numerous vital services such as nutrient acquisition and protection against abiotic and biotic stressors. Considering this, tillage practices that aim to reduce soil disturbance are often seen as a fungal‐friendly alternative to conventional inversion tillage. Although local studies exist on the impacts of minimal tillage practices on AM fungi, the universality of this approach has been debated. Our objective was to assess the effects of reduced tillage intensity on AM fungi in comparison with conventional tillage. Using high‐throughput sequencing techniques in long‐term field experiments in five European countries, we show that the effects of reduced tillage intensity may not necessarily be positive on soil AM fungal diversity. Plots which were tilled using reduced tillage techniques had lower AM fungal richness in three countries, whereas in one of them, no significant differences were found. We also observed a shift in AM fungal communities where prevalence of taxa preferring root colonisation rather than soil exploration increased under reduced tillage regimes. Here, we argue that more detailed and long‐term studies are needed to understand the factors that could make the reduction of soil disturbance more beneficial to AM fungi if agricultural sustainability goals are to be met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the study of the soil quality and health expressed by the chemical and biological properties in a research field placed at Varciorog, Bihor County, Romania. The soil samples were collected from 3 soil variants in March 2023. In each soil variant, some soil chemical parameters and the abundance of bacteria were determined. The frequency and intensity of colonization, along with arbuscules and vesicles, were scored to determine the mycorrhizal potential of each soil. The community-level physiological profile was used to determine the functional microbiome and its ability to decompose a specific set of substrates. In the control variant (CTRL), which is a functional forest cultivated with beech in a proportion of 90%, the soil properties were compared with those determined from Site 1 (a declined mixed forest) and from Site 2 (chestnut forest in a stage of complete drying). The data were statistically processed with a one-way ANOVA test, followed by the Duncan post-hoc test, which revealed significant variation in the potential of microbial functional communities across the analyzed sites. Also, the soil parameters that significantly varied in the 3 soil variants were bacterial number, pH, humus, exchangeable aluminum, coarse sand, dust, and fine sand. The Pearson correlation was computed to study the links between bacterial numbers and chemical parameters. The results showed strong correlations between most of the studied soil properties. The Ecoplates approach to soil functional microbiome highlighted various differences between the microbial communities of the three tested sites. Mycorrhizal colonization shows different potentials for symbiosis formation. The peak of mycorrhizal colonization was in declined forest, with 43.36% colonization frequency and 24.56% intensity. Arbuscules reached 11.36% in declined forest, while in control and decayed sites, the indicator was under 4%. Vesicles are more associated with control and decayed forests, with values of presence over 1.30%. As an indicator of microbial general activity, the sum of recorded activities was higher in declined and decayed forests. At these sites, the activity of the functional microbiome was amplified. The decline process activates a higher diversity of functional groups and is associated with a larger area of substrate decomposition capacity, which indicates a more extensive range of microbial functions related to breaking down organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization methods have the capacity to modify both soil fertility and biological characteristics, consequently affecting the ecological functions of the soil. Straws are a hard crop residue to decompose, and stimulate the appearance of a specific functional microbiome. The microbial functional profile is correlated with the application of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK). The present study aims to analyze the effect of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and liming on the functional soil microbial communities. A modified EcoPlate method was used to incorporates the utilization of straw subjected to a 30-day incubation period in the soil at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station. In the aftermath of the Ecoplate experiment, discernible alterations in substrate solubilization rates have been noted across diverse soil compositions, spanning from untreated soil to those enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and an NPK complex. The results provide information on important functional soil microbial assemblages influenced by fertilizer application and the detection of the most active functional gropus associated with straw decomposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the need for thermal insulation materials used to increase the energy performance of buildings and ensure indoor thermal comfort is constantly growing. There are several traditional, well-known and frequently used thermal insulation materials on the building materials market, but there is a growing trend towards innovative materials based on agro-industrial waste. This paper analyses the performance of 10 such innovative thermal insulation materials obtained by recycling cellulosic and/or animal waste, using standardised testing methods. More precisely, thermal insulation materials based on the following raw materials were analysed: cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste; cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste and cigarette paper waste; cellulose acetate, waste from cigarette filter manufacturing, waste cigarette paper and waste aluminised paper; cellulose from waste paper (two types made by two independent manufacturers); wood fibres; cellulose from cardboard waste; cellulose from waste cardboard, poor processing, inhomogeneous product; rice husk waste and composite based on sheep wool, recycled PET fibres and cellulosic fibres for the textile industry. The analysis followed the performance in terms of thermal insulating quality, evidenced by the thermal conductivity coefficient (used as a measurable indicator) determined for both dry and conditioned material at 50% RH, in several density variants, simulating the subsidence under its own weight or under various possible stresses arising in use. The results showed in most cases that an increase in material density has beneficial effects by reducing the coefficient of thermal conductivity, but exceptions were also reported. In conjunction with this parameter, the analysis of the 10 types of materials also looked at their moisture sorption/desorption capacity (using as a measurable indicator the amount of water stored by the material), concluding that, although they have a capacity to regulate the humidity of the indoor air, under low RH conditions the water loss is not complete, leaving a residual quantity of material that could favour the development of mould. Therefore, the impact on indoor air quality was also analysed by assessing the risk of mould growth (using as a measurable indicator the class and performance category of the material in terms of nutrient content conducive to the growth of microorganisms) under high humidity conditions but also the resistance to the action of two commonly encountered moulds, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum. The results showed a relative resistance to the action of microbiological factors, indicating however the need for intensified biocidal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the context of the principles of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy concepts, the paper presents a synthesis of research in the field of the development of materials of interest, such as cementitious composites or alkali-activated geopolymers. Based on the reviewed literature, the influence of compositional or technological factors on the physical-mechanical performance, self-healing capacity and biocidal capacity obtained was analyzed. The inclusion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the matrix increase the performances of cementitious composites, producing a self-cleaning capacity and an anti-microbial biocidal mechanism. As an alternative, the self-cleaning capacity can be achieved through geopolymerization, which provides a similar biocidal mechanism. The results of the research carried out indicate the real and growing interest for the development of these materials but also the existence of some elements still controversial or insufficiently analyzed, therefore concluding the need for further research in these areas. The scientific contribution of this study consists of bringing together two apparently distinct research directions in order to identify convergent points, to create a favorable framework for the development of an area of research little addressed so far, namely, the development of innovative building materials by combining improved performance with the possibility of reducing environmental impact, awareness and implementation of the concept of a Circular Economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization processes have increased over the years and affect large parts of agricultural fields. The purpose of this review was to highlight the most important aspects regarding the potential effects of soil salinity on plants. In the current context of climate change, extreme weather and increased drought periods can lead to plant metabolic dysfunctionalities and accumulation of salt ions because of the increasing need for irrigation. The most important limiting factor, salinity, has a highly negative impact on plant growth independent of the appearance of either natural or anthropic status. The negative aspects include decreased leaf development rate, a low water level in all parts of the plant, reduced cell division and elongation, and low-intensity photosynthetic rate. Other negative aspects are directly related to stomata closure, reduced transpiration, low CO2 level, and limitations on seed germination. However, there are also some positive aspects to the presence of salinity in soil. The field offers unlimited possibilities of research in order to activate pathways that help plants become resistant to salt stress. Several physiological parameters can benefit from low salt concentration (halopriming), such as germination, vigor, rapid seedling growth, and increased stomata number. Further studies should focus on both the positive and negative aspects of the increase in soil salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic inputs and technologies, especially fertilizers, act on the evolution of the symbiotic partnership between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and cultivated plants. The use of the MycoPatt method for the assessment of mycorrhizas in maize roots leads to the extraction of large parameter databases with an increased resolution over the colonization mechanism. The application of a biostimulator treatment on plants acted toward a reduction of root permissiveness for mycorrhizas. The phenomenon was noticeable through an increased colonization variability that overlapped with plant nutritional needs. The annual characteristic of the plant was highlighted by the simultaneous presence of arbuscules and vesicles, with a high share of arbuscules in the advanced phenophases. Colonized root parts presented numerous arbuscule-dominated areas in all phenophases, which indicated a continuous formation of these structures and an intense nutrient transfer between partners. Mycorrhizal maps showed the slowing effect of the biostimulators on colonization, with one phenophase delay in the case of biostimulated plants compared to the ones without biostimulators. The forecast models presented gradual colonization in plants without biostimulators, with the expansion of new hyphal networks. The use of biostimulators on plants exhibited a lower permissiveness for new colonization areas, and the mechanism relies on hyphae developed in the former phenophases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of the medicinal and aromatic plant basil raises interesting questions due to its no seed periodicity and dormancy demand, and the seed priming could help to assure the permanent needs for this herb. The study aimed to provide an adapted BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry) scale for the germination secondary stages of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. (var. MVSt). A standardized germination test was performed with hydropriming, electric field, and magnetic field as priming methods to assess the changes in the secondary stages of germination. The time range for each basil secondary stage was recorded and added to the adapted BBCH, to highlight the daily secondary stage changes. All the seed priming methods increased the germination capacity with 2–3% compared with the control, with the highest value for electropriming. The seed priming methods studied improved the germination and changed the pattern of secondary stages in the BBCH scale. The germination energy was set to more than 90% in all primed seeds, with a maximum of 91.75% in the magnetic field. The time needed for 50% germination of seeds was set to 6.5 days and 90% germinated seeds were recorded after 11.7 days. The 09a BBCH lasted for 9 days in control and hydropriming, 10 days in electric field conditions and 7 days for magnetoprimed seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major disadvantage of setting up a willow coppice is the low survival rate, which reduces economic efficiency and crop sustainability. The aim of this research was to test, under controlled conditions, the impact of water, gibberellic acid A3 (0.05%), and humic acid (0.2%) on the growth and development of two willow clones. Under humic acid treatment, 20 cm cuttings of the Tordis clone developed up to 15 roots, and 25 cm cuttings developed more than 23. In comparison, water stimulated more than 15 roots for both 20 and 25 cm cuttings. Gibberellins acted as an inhibitor, especially on the roots, and the cuttings dried out from the top to the middle, with weak development of shoots and callus formation. For both clones, the highest number of active buds was observed on 20 and 25 cm cuttings grown in water, with more than four for Inger and more than seven for Tordis. Root development of the Inger clone had a maximum of eight for 25 cm cuttings grown in water; it was three times lower in the same variant of Tordis and two times lower for the Tordis clone with humic acid treatment. In general, Inger cuttings of 15 and 25 cm highlighted a delayed root formation when humic acids and gibberellins were applied. In controlled condition experiments, the Tordis clone was more suitable owing to its higher development and increased growth stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial for plant development and help absorb water and minerals from the soil. The symbiosis between these fungi and plant roots is extremely important and could limit crop dependence on fertilizers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of AMF on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), based on important agronomic traits of vegetative biomass, production, and fruits. The experiment was conducted in high tunnels, using 12 tomato genotypes under three different treatments: T1, control, without fertilizer and mycorrhizae colonization; T2, fertigation, without mycorrhizae colonization; and T3, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), seedling roots being inoculated with specialized soil-borne fungi. Plant growth, yield and fruit parameters indicated better results under mycorrhizal treatment. Root colonization with fungi varied significantly depending on the treatment and genotype, with a variation of 6.0–80.3% for frequency and 2.6–24.6% for intensity. For a majority of characteristics, the mycorrhization (T3) induced significant differences compared with the T1 and T2 treatments. In addition, AMF treatment induced a different response among the genotypes. Among the elements analyzed in the soil, significant differences were observed in phosphorous levels between planting the seedlings and after tomato harvesting and clearing of the plants. The results suggest that reducing fertilizers and promoting the symbiotic relationships of plants with soil microorganisms may have beneficial consequences for tomato crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term fertilization targets mycorrhizal fungi adapted to symbiotic exchange of nutrients, thus restricting their colonization potential and re-orienting the colonization strategies. The MycoPatt tool has a high applicability in quantifying the symbiotic process with the identification of mycorrhizal indices and projection of mycorrhizal patterns. Organic treatments increase the symbiotic process, visible in values of colonization frequency and intensity, with about 6% more than the native status of colonization. At the opposite pole, organic-mineral treatments decrease the colonization parameters by up to half of the organic treatment. All of the colonization parameters show significant correlations, except for the arbuscules/vesicle ratio (0.03). All the applied treatments, except for the organic one, record multiple root segments with a colonization degree lower than 10%. The application of treatments changes the strategy of native colonization from a transfer (40%) and storage (37%) to a predominant storage (50%) for organic treatment, and are mainly proliferative between 38–50% in mixed and mineral treatments. The high amount of mineral components increases also the presence of resistance conditions strategies. The use of mycorrhizal pattern maps, with the inclusion of colonization strategies, presents an important direction in understanding the evolution of mutual relations, and to explore in-depth the efficiency of the whole symbiotic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring grassland microbiomes is a challenge in the current context of linking soil microorganism activity with the balance of these ecosystems. Microbiologists are constantly attempting to develop faster and lower-cost methods, and propose new and best-fitted indicators that will provide a more complex data analysis. A different concept was proposed for assessing functional microbiomes by splitting the functional ecological niche into complementary segments. The comparison with the upper and lower limits of the ecological niche provides a clearer image of community alterations due to long-term applied treatments. The method allows the extraction of the most sensitive and stable functional guilds, with the extraction of the most critical dominant–codominant functional groups in every segment of the functional niche. The resulting microbial functional–sociological model is ready to use on community-level physiological profile databases and also can be applied backward for vegetation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is one of the key economic activities designed to provide food for a growing population. It is expected that 21st-century agriculture will try to reduce the number of fertilizers by using microorganisms, in this category arbuscular mycorrhizas representing a complex set of benefits for plants and ecosystem services. The aim of this paper is to identify the mycorrhizal structures present in the roots of Zea mays. The objectives of the research are: i) are mycorrhizae natively present in the corn root and have a constant presence from the first stages of plant development? and ii) what kind of colonization pattern is characteristic of these roots? Maize has prominent fasciculate roots, and due to its intense branching capacity provides increased biological support for the establishment of mycorrhizal symbionts. Within the fungal structures highlighted, the most prominent were arbuscules and vesicles. Arum-type arbuscules were mostly observed, Paris-type arbuscules being less common in this species. Vesicles have a low frequency in the root cortex. They are present only in the early stages of plant development. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae are present in the root of the Zea mays plant with a constant presence, without major fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are the most dynamic ecosystems are characterized by high biodiversity both above-ground and underground. The biggest problem in these ecosystems is oligotrophy. The phenomenon affects the stability and resilience of these ecosystems, increasing the impact of biological processes. The symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizas is a natural option with a great impact on maintaining the high natural value of ecosystems. This article aims rating colonization Festuca rubra, dominant in a mountain grassland ecosystem. Roots were cleared and stained with ink for the detection of mycorrhizas in roots. All root samples were analyzed with an optical microscope for the detection of mycorrhizal structures. The results obtained highlight a main mycorrhizal pattern as well as specific subcategories. Both types of arbuscules were identified: Arum and Paris. The results obtained highlight a main mycorrhizal pattern as well as specific subcategories. Vesicles are structures with a constant lack of consistency, which indicates their fluctuating nature. The mycorrhizal pattern of Festuca rubra as the dominant species in the pratol ecosystem may be the first step towards a more detailed understanding of the fungal strategy as well as the increased importance in the stability of the pratol ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots of the plants are in contact with a substrate, and biotic and abiotic factors influence their functioning and development. The most known microorganisms associated with plant roots are soil fungi, which are adapted to the soil's living environment, called mycorrhizae. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are the most common of these associations. In agricultural ecosystems, the constant use of technologies has resulted in a progressive reduction of mycorrhizal diversity. Due to this phenomenon, soil presents a lower potential for the development of multilevel hyphal networks which implies reduced connections between all individuals of a single species. Mycorrhizas offer benefits for the host plant, including mineral nutrition, increased drought tolerance, and protection against pathogens. They play a significant role in acquiring the necessary nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) from soil to their host plants, as these nutrients may have low mobility in most soils. Plants take up phosphorus from soil indirectly through the hyphal network that can reach outside from the root depletion area. Mycorrhizal association increases the accumulation of nitrogen in the plant as a result of the competition of hyphae for the organic mineralized form of this element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black currant cultivation is in continuous expansion, with importance in human nutrition and a high degree of suitability for industrial processing. The nutritional, organoleptic, and pharmaceutical qualities of its fruits represent a great source of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and phenols. We have tested the specific reaction of three black currant varieties to foliar fertilizers in order to obtain two growth models. Each variety have a specific response to fertilizers. Application of Kombimax lead to the highest increase during the vegetation period and 72 cm length of branches at the end of vegetation period. Ascovigor and Mikromix produces 3–4 cm increases in branches length compared to control. N, K2O, and CaO from fertilizer recipe act synergically for the final development of branches. The growth model based on branches length at 14 days add 0.97 cm for each existent cm. The complex model of growth add 2.44 cm for each mg of CaO existent in fertilizer recipe. Linear regressions show a growth potential of 0.97 cm/1 cm of branches at 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is gaining growing interest as a tool for the valorisation of bio-waste in a circular economy perspective. Although a wide variety of studies are available for larvae rearing, the indoor breeding of adults still presents a great challenge for industrial purposes. This study was designed to assess the simultaneous influence of 3 different light sources (the Mix of LED UV:blue:green 1:1:3, White LED, Neon light) and 3 types of nutrition (sugar and water, only water, no sugar no water) on adult performances, obtaining different egg production parameters that included the number and weight of the egg masses and single eggs laid by the females, the duration of pre-oviposition and oviposition period, the adult life span, the hatchability of the eggs. Our results showed that production parameters are influenced mainly by nutrition rather than light factor, although light plays an important secondary role. Moreover, the presence of sugar positively affects the egg production (12,93–27,10 mg eggs/female) and increases oviposition period (18,2–31,8 days) and adult lifespan (20,79–27,11 days). Light sources also affect egg production parameters, with the exposure to the Mix of LEDs resulting in the best performance of flies. Results obtained from this study are very useful for the design and management of an efficient industrial black soldier fly mass rearing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris pseudacorus is an ornamental macrophyte with phytoremediation capacity and medicinal value. In this research, it was used as model plant for study of four commonly occurring micromycetes: arbuscular mycorrhizae (Glomeromycota), fine root endophytes (Mucoromycotina), dark septate endophytes (Ascomycota) and Olpidium sp. (Chytridiomycota). Experiment was established with two substrate types: peat and bark humus, and inoculation treatment with three graduations: 2 and 5 AMF species and non-inoculated respectively. Root samples were collected for microscopic analysis after 3 months in pots and open field. Results show that all AM colonization parameters were higher in field compared to pots, but influence of AM inoculation decreases in field due to established background soil microflora. Frequency of DSE and Olpidium sp. was much higher in pots. Bark humus had a lasting positive effect on plant development. Compared to field, pot growing media could be more prone to microbiome disbalance perhaps due to lack of stability in natural-occurring mechanisms that act to regulate complex interaction dynamics. Understanding conditioning relationship between soil micromycetes across contrasting growing conditions could help addressing practical challenges associated with use of microbial inoculants in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diatoms are one of the most common types of phytoplankton, found seldom in soil but in high amounts in both salty waters and fresh waters, generating almost 20% of the oxygen that the planet produces every year. Diatoms are used in the monitorization of the environment's conditions and also in observations regarding the quality of soil and water, and also in soil microorganisms traceability. The samples have been collected from both soil and Gheorgheni Lake every month during a year at the same date. There is a lack of diatoms in winter (December, January) and reappearing in smaller numbers in February. March is the most prolific month regarding the identified number of species. October is the most abundant month regarding the diatoms per analyzed sample. In November, the number of diatoms is pretty high, but comparing to October, the numbers are lowering. This variation from month to month is mostly due to the water temperature that keeps on changing. If we were to compare November 2017 to November 2018, we can notice a significant rise of diatoms and also a rise in species identified per sample from one year to another. The trophic characterization of aquatic ecosystems based on the phytoplankton indicates a high value of primary production (Polytrophic) in the Gheorgheni Lake. We can observe the seasonal variation of diatom species due to temperature variation specific to each season. The most abundant species identified during the monitoring is Synedra acus, having a larger spectrum of temperature in which it grows and it is one of the most resistant when it comes to anthropic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structures of different AM taxa found in symbiosis with plants can stain from intense to weak after roots preparation for microscopy. Although arbuscules are distinctive features of AM, their overall shape can vary in association with two proliferation types: Arum and Paris. Auxiliary cells and vesicles are not omnipresent. Intraradical hyphae can present divergent types: straight/coiled, with "Y"/"H" connections. According to spore formation, there are five main AM morphotypes. Spore-based species identification takes into account: color, shape, size of spores and sporocarps as well as structures associated with them (cicatrix, pedicel, peridium, sporiferous saccule, sporogenous cell, subtending hypha). Description of subcellular structures of spores targets phenotypic and biochemical properties of layers using Melzer's reagent and morphology of pre-germination structures when present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycorrhiza develop on the surface of the roots and create complex networks of nutrients transport between the hosts. The present paper evaluates the modification of endomycorrhizal parameters in urban grasses due to the distance from the trunk of the trees. Grass samples were harvested from 3 parks. The objective is to identify the area of maximum development of the mycorrhizal network and the spatial stability of the symbiosis. A pattern of mycorrhizal mechanisms can be identified due to human intervention in the ecosystem. In ecosystems, the overhead distance between trees is dominated by grassy species capable of endomycorrhizal connections. Between fungi and plants, connecting nodes and nutrient transfer points appear. Frequency of mycorrhizas in grasses is over 90%. The intensity in root is below 30%, but supported by high arbuscularity. The impact of mycorrhizae is felt only at the time of intense colonization and the presence of arbuscules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban parks are ecosystems with a dynamic directed by human intervention. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are symbionts with higher plants, with role in increasing the amount of nutrients needed to plant development. In roots, the fungi develops various structures for transfer or storage of nutrients. The grasses developed in the parks of the Cluj-Napoca city present typical mycorrhizal structures, including the two morphotypes of arbuscules. The colonization rate identified in the analyzed samples is over 75%, indicating a high number of propagules in soil. The dependence of arbuscles is higher to intensity than colonization frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated farming systems have microbiological bases in soil, microorganisms having the ability to govern nutrient flows to and from plants. Improvement of production is based on calibration and balancing of circuits driven by rhizosphere microorganisms. Bioproducts have the role of supplementing microbial groups with a role in promoting plant growth. The purpose of the paper is to determine the global reaction of two wheat varieties to the application of bioproducts based on active microorganisms. The over- and underground growth of plants and the synthetic indices resulted from them were followed. Development parameters are significantly influenced by the application of bioproducts. In general, autumn wheat variety has a higher developmental balance than the spring one. For autumn wheat the presence of the microbial consortium caused the plant to transfer significant amounts of resources to the stem. The biological bases of spring wheat give it an oversize increase much higher than the winter wheat. A possible explanation for the growth and gradual development of plants is the provision of organic substances in a constant flow from both sides. For microorganisms, this situation has led to their proliferation irrespective of the presence of other organisms, and for the plant has ensured normal growth and development. Also in the case of spring wheat, the correlation between the stem and the root is lower than in the autumn one. The autumn variety has a clustered development, with an evolution in favor of the stem in the early stages of vegetation, and then leads to a stronger development of the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate if supplementary inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizae of Iris germanica plants in field conditions has influence on key stomata parameters that are known to determine the maximum leaf diffusive conductance of CO2 to the site of assimilation as well as water use efficiency. Six Iris germanica cultivars ('Black Dragon', 'Blue Rhythm', 'Sultan's Palace', 'Lime Fizz', 'Pinafore Pink', 'Pure As The') were inoculated at planting in autumn with the following arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi species: Funneliformis mosseae (Glomus mosseae), Funneliformis geosporus (Glomus geosporum), Claroideoglomus clarodeum (Glomus claroideum), Rhizophagus intraradices (Glomus intraradices), Glomus microaggregatum. Microscopic examination revealed that both inoculated and non-inoculated plants presented AM root colonization after entering in vegetation. Analysis of leaf imprints collected in spring showed that inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizae determined a decrease in stomatal density but increase of guard cell length. Inoculated plants presented higher potential stomatal conductance index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current agronomic practices are defined by two components: technology and biological dynamics. The response of agroecosystems to applied technologies is visible in the structure and interrelations of the biological component, which defines the actual fertility of soils. In soil-plant-soil biota system, both soil and plant have a rich history in terms of analysis and dynamics. Soil biota is a relatively new component studied, but without an integrated mapping. The response of soil micro-flora and -fauna to technological pressure is found in fertility level, resilience potential, yield stability and conservative status of soil. Mycorrhizas are co-evolutionary symbiotic partners of most cultivated plants. The complex of fungi-roots is defining overall nutrients absobtion, plant nutrition and productivity. In this context, development of a mycorrhizal mapping system has a high value represented by an improvement of agronomic technologies. The design of mycorrhizal maps can serve to create a management adapted to the specific conditions of agricultural holdings and to increase productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytobiont enhanced nutrient uptake through arbuscular mycorrhiza comes at a cost in form of carbon fixed through photosynthesis. Geophytes operate under resource efficiency constraint due to their particular life-cycle and have to balance it very well. This translates in highly controlled investment towards mycobiont, that could explain the wide range of colonization patterns according to plant species affordability to sustain the mutualism when carbohydrates are required to be retained in storage organ. Following microscopic examination of roots collected at anthesis from UASVM Cluj Agro-Botanical Garden, highest intensity for root colonization in root segments was found in Dahlia variabilis followed by Helianthus tuberosus and Lilium candidum and lowest in Hemerocallis fulva and Gladiolus × grandiflorus. Arbuscules richness varied strongly among species. This study documents for the first time the level of arbuscular mycorrhizae in some summer flowering geophytes from Cluj county, Romania. It is concluded that summer geophytes might be good model plants for ecology of endophytic relationship since are highly sensitive to any disbalance in carbon expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irises are beloved spring garden plants that do not require much care. Apart from their decorative value in landscape they also bring environmental benefits because they contribute to the improvement of soil stability while some species such as Iris pseudacorus was proven to have phytoremediation capacity. In order to achieve the highest possible result for the customer or public by using these species in green spaces, the following aspects must be taken into consideration: plant hardiness, location, landscape color scheme and plant associations. The aims of this study were to identify the potential use of Iris plants in green urban areas from Cluj County, and to establish suitable plant associations with other low-maintenance herbaceous flowering plants for easy landscaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial groups developed in the rhizosphere ensure the stability and dynamics of nutrient transfer processes to plants. Additional soil inoculation with rhizospheric bacteria acts to expand the ecological niche, supplements the activity, the number of individuals and promote plant growth. In today's agriculture, there is a need for the usage of rhizosphere microflora and integrative approaches to stimulate plant growth. The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of biofertilizers as starter stimulators in autumn wheat. Different concentrations of Bactofil, containing rhizospheric bacteria, were applied in small rhizothrones. Evaluation of relationships between bacterial inoculum and plant reveals the degree of applicability and adaptation to the soil conditions of exogenous microflora. Doses of 15.6 x 108 and 20.8 x 108 cells/m2 stimulates the root elongation and higher level of mycorrhization. Bioproducts can be viable solutions to stimulate the initial development of wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water ecosystems are constantly under the pressure of a high number of biotic and abiotic factors, and their action leads to the occurrence of fluctuations in species and populations. The specific response of organisms to external pressures leads to the reorganization of ecosystems, with qualitative and quantitative changes. The aim is to identify the microbial groups with the highest potential in the waste waters. Data were collected during 2015-16 in Bistrita. Identifying the bioindicators quality of microorganisms and their importance in ecosystems was done by comparing them with international databases. The use of microorganisms as bioindicators involves knowing the requirements for one or more environmental variables. The concept refers to the ability of microorganisms to accumulate pollutants. Flagellates are tolerant to acidity and react quickly and with sensitivity to environmental stress by inhibiting their movement. The multiplication of flagellates and filamentous bacteria is manifested through water disturbance and foam production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex microbial communities in the plant rhizosphere are responsible for their success in ecosystems. Supplementary inoculation of soil with mycorrhizal fungi and rhizospheric bacteria may act as a plant growth-promoting factor. The present study aims to assess the potential use of biofertilisers on tomato as a way of increasing yield and stability of root exploration area. The experiment was set up in greenhouse, regarding the evaluation of growing dynamics of plants, mycorrhization level and obtained yield. The identification of effective inoculation variants can lead to a standardisation of technologies of growing for local plant genotypes. Data analysis was performed based on the ANOVA test, followed by Tukey HSD, principal component analysis and cluster analysis in order to identify the potential of bioproducts to stimulate the development of tomato plants. Application of bacterial biofertilisers does not stimulate enough the aboveground development of plants. An antagonistic reaction is visible between exogenous mycorrhizas and those specific in soil, acting slightly different for each genotype. Mycorrhizal level in root systems is more dependent on applied biofertilisers than on analyzed genotypes. For the variants without additional fertilisers, a high level of mycorrhization is visible only after 75 days from the transplantation. Based on results we can conclude that microbial active fertilisers may represent viable solutions to increase yield capacity and root exploration area for local tomato genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can establish associations with over 80% of land plants. Most important beneficial effects for plants are: phosphorus availability, increased resistance to abiotic and biotic stress. Studies regarding the effects of mycorrhization on ornamental plants in our local pedoclimatic conditions are almost inexistent. The aim of this study was the evaluation of mycorrhizal inoculum effect over some vegetative characteristics for six Iris germanica cultivars. The experimental field was settled in Botanical Garden of UASVM Cluj-Napoca. For each cultivar were established two treatments: non-inoculated and inoculated with mycorrhizae. Results indicate that regarding the percentage of buds that entered vegetation in spring was higher for inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated plants. Inoculated cultivars 'Sultan's Palace' and 'Pinafore Pink' had a higher number of shoots grown in spring than number of buds present in autumn. For most of the studied cultivars the mycorrhizae products exercised beneficial effects regarding the entering in vegetation of buds, or stimulating formation of new buds. This phenomenon is attributed both to mycorrhizal fungi and auxins added to inoculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism has become an important sector with an increasing impact on the development of an economy. The main benefits of tourism are producing income and generating jobs. For many regions and countries is the most important source of wealth. The ability of the national economy to benefit from tourism depends on the availability of investment, to develop the necessary infrastructure and capacity to meet the needs of tourists. Romania has a great potential for tourism development in the entire country. Tourism activities contribute to income redistribution reducing the degree of poverty. In Romania, the presence of valuable natural resources, such as thermal, mineral or salt waters, sludge for treatment purposes, salt mines or herbs, favor spa tourism, which can bring significant economic benefits. To highlight this, we conducted a study in Turda, at the salt mine, Cluj County, and watched the evolution of the number of tourists over the past two decades. The comparative study shows the number of touristic entries and the entries for treatment. It resulted from the present study, that the number of tourists has risen steadily, and the explosion of visitors, both for tourism and treatment, took place in 2010, when it was completed the modernization of the mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to present the integrative potential of natural mycorrhization in short experiments. Mycorrhization parameters provide quantitative and qualitative indices of plant root development. Assessing the degree of dependence of plants to symbiotic association may represent an important step in estimating the strength and durability of a species in natural ecosystems. The degree of colonization is part of the methodology for estimating the volume explored by root symbiotic fungi, the value indicating the associative dependence. For values of the colonization degree below 10%, the association is casual and over 50% the association became mandatory. These values are due to a balanced frequencies and intensities. In general, differentiated fertilization and treatments acts to individualize the exploratory reaction of mycorrhizas. The strongest effects of the experimental variants are seen at the end of the growing season. Principal components analysis highlights the separation effect of fertilization and individualizes the treatments on graphs. Principal components analysis ordination of the colonization degree shows a normalization of mycorrhizal reaction to interaction fertilization x treatment and maximize the effect of experimental graduations. Zinc sulphate is the most restrictive treatment in combination with fertilization. Mineral or organo-mineral fertilization is beneficial for mulching at the vegetation peak and fungicides respond well to organo-mineral fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to assess the state of the biodiversity and pastoral value for Festuca rupicola-Bothriochloa ischaemum grasslands from the hill area. Also, there has been analyzed the floristic composition and a series of ecological indexes, respectively humidity, soil reaction, temperature and nitrogen. Other aspects taken in account were the agronomical and anthropogenic specters. The analyzed grasslands are placed in the perimeter of the localities: Gilău, Aiton. Jucu and Frata, all from Cluj County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to The European Communion in Europe there are large areas of abandoned grasslands (Osterburg and colab., 2010). The abandonment of grasslands entails substantial changes to the vegetation cover. Usually, after a period of time, semi-natural grasslands start to develop forestlike features. In Romania despite the existence of a subsidiary system large areas with semi-natural grasslands are abandoned. The objective of this paper was to analyze the effect of abandonment on the structure of vegetation cover. The experiment consists in 3 experimental variants (1 mowed annually, 1 abandoned for 5 years and 1 abandoned for 15 years) and is located in the village of Ghețari, from Gârda de Sus commune at an altitude of 1130 m. Vegetation was studied using the Braun-Blanquet method, modified by Păcurar and Rotar in 2014. The scientific results were processed with the numerical analysis application (Cluster Analyses) belonging to PC-ORD program. Results showed that the grassland abandoned for 5 years did not show any statistical difference compared to the grassland mowed annually. The grassland abandoned for 15 years showed modification in the structure of vegetation cover translated by the disappearance of numerous species. Our recommendation is that semi-natural grasslands, which have numerous economical disadvantages because of their location, should be mowed at least every five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant rhizosphere is the portion of soil which is in direct contact with the plant roots. From the microbiological point of view, this area is characterized by strong dynamic of functional groups with high specificity towards the substrate available. Spring barley is a crop with high requirements to the composition of the microflora in the rhizosphere, disturbances produced by agronomic inputs affecting the stability of rhizospheric contact interfaces and ultimately the plant growth. Analysis of changes within the microbial community was carried out with the purpose of defining the disruptive impact of mineral inputs and potential of zeolite to reduce these disruptions. Microbial functional groups were analyzed on the basis of the CO2 export under the specific conditions of soil inoculation on specific substrates over a time period of incubation. Microresp detection plates allow evaluation of a large number of samples under identical conditions of inoculation and the establishment of dynamics of the entire microbial community. The dynamics of the entire microbial communities is stimulated to increase in case of unilateral application of zeolite and zeolite as a buffer for urea fertilization. General growth trend of microbial communities follows proportional the associated application of zeolite with urea. Rhizosphere of barley plants is characterized by α-ketoglutaric acid as dominant group in functional microbial community of all experimental variants analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities in agricultural ecosystems are characterized by a strong dynamic and radical change due to technological inputs applied. Corn is a plant with high requirements for nutrients and an increased potential for activation of specific microbial groups. The aim of this study was to assess the unilateral and synergic effect of zeolite and mineral fertilizers on the development and transformation of microbial functional groups in the rhizosphere of corn. Physiological profile assessment of microbial communities has been carried out on the basis of substrate induced respiration, monitored over a period of 6 hours of incubation. The amount of CO2 registered in Microresp plates represents the activity of functional groups in decomposition of each type of substrate applied. Characteristic groups of microorganisms in maize rhizosphere are capable of decomposing acids: citric, L-malic, oxalic and α-Ketoglutaric. The highest microbial activities were observed in groups of bacteria involved in processes of plant growth promotion and microbial groups with an important role in the processes of denitrification. For the application of urea a triple value of activity of this type of microflora is observed. Functional groups codominant in soils cultivated with corn are specialized in efficient degradation of organic matter and biological crust, zeolite providing the complex substrate necessary for the development of these microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere is the area with the most intense microbial activity, under the direct influence of plant species and soil type. Changes in activity and functional diversity of microorganisms can represent powerful parameters in the analysis of soil quality. Usage levels of carbon sources by functional groups of microorganisms is found in the changes of microbial community structure, crop plants stimulating the activity of specific groups. This paper aims to assess the oscillations of activation / inactivation of microbial functional groups specific in the rhizosphere of soybean, correlating the activity of whole microbial community with the amount of applied agronomic inputs. Soybean plants were grown on a phaeosiom argic in the hilly area of Transylvania, experimental field being located in Turda, Cluj county. Detection plates of microbial activity were inoculated with soil according to the method Microresp and incubated for a period of 6 hours. Typical soil microbial community present in soybean plants is dominated by a-Ketoglutaric acid. Codominant of this group in the community are decomposers of D-fructose, L-malic acid and citric acid. Microbial functional dynamics in unfertilized soil is dominated by microorganisms involved in the nitrogen cycle, enhancing the accumulation of soil organic nitrogen. Microorganisms from the rhizosphere of soybean crop have a strong reaction to associated fertilization, zeolite acting as a buffer for disruption caused by the mineral component of fertilizer recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulching of grasslands was suggested by many that could be a feasible solution for the low productive systems to maintain their natural productivity and floristical diversity, when succesion of woody species is a threatening factor. In this middle-term experiment, we aimed to study the effects of new alternatives in Apuseni Mountains, like mulching and mulching with mineral fertilization, on the floristic structure of the oligotrophic grasslands. The experiment has started in 2009 and we followed the effects of the treatments in the 6th year. The experiment design contains seven variants in five repetitions (randomized blocks) of mowing, mulching and mulching with different doses of fertilizers applied in different time. After six years, the treatments determined no changes in the main grassland type, but significant changes have taken place in the floristic compositions of the variants. The overall effects of the treatments are negative upon the phytodiversity in some of the variants. From this reason these has to be carefully recommended if there are conservational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the environmental factors that has a critical influence on the germination of seeds and plant establishment. Salinity affects imbibition, germination and root elongation. However, the way in which NaCl exerts its influence on these vital processes, whether it is through an osmotic effect or a specific ion toxicity, is still not resolved. The objective of this study was to compare the salinity tolerance of two varieties of red clover (Select 2 and Rotrif) and two varietis of alfalfa (Mihaela and Mădălina). In our study we used five salinity treatments 0 (control) (C1), 50 (C1), 100 (C2), 150 (C3) and 300mM NaCl (C4) on normal seeds and seeds inoculated with rhizobia. 100 seeds of each variety used in the study were grown in germinating dishes on filter papers with four replications. The results showed that by increasing of the salinity level, germinated seeds number, root, shoot and seedling length, mean daily germination (MDG) and seedling length vigor index (SLVI) decreased, while daily germination speed (DGS) increased in all studied varieties. Mean germination time increased with increasing NaCl level. As the salt concentration increased, germination percentage decreased in all varieties, moreover, seeds could not germinate in 300 mM NaCl, but the seeds who were bacterized germinated in a very small percentage, and the germs were abnormal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is the crop with the highest global expansion, ensuring a balanced ratio between carbohydrates and protein substances. It requires a rational fertilization based on the dynamics of growth and root branching, closely related to the mycorrhizal association potential for high values of nutrients export from soil. Modeling the associative system of root with mycorrhizas can provide solutions to obtain stable yields. The root system is separated into clusters based on the root's architecture, the level of active and senescent mycorrhizal circuits being deteremined separately on each cluster. Root architecture provides a realistic picture of the momentary development of wheat plants. The level of mycorrhization indicates the function of absorption and transfer circuits. The evaluation of mycorrhization provides a number of parameters with high potential for the stability of mathematical models used for the installation and success of winter wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous evolution of plants with useful rizospheric micro flora has allowed the appearance of symbiotic partnerships between the radicular systems and symbiotical fungi. Natural grasslands represents a stable complex of ecosystems, where the competition capacity of each species is given by the expansion of the root system and branching, in addition to the ability to associate with mycorrhizal fungi. Festuca rubra and Trifolium repens plants were grown in pots, the percentage of each species in the mixture increasing/decreasing by 10 up to 10%. The mycorrhizal circuit was assessed based on the colonization parameters in the root system. For plants with similar proportions in the mixture a strong development of young roots is detected while increasing the association with mycorrhizal fungi. The colonization degree decrease is significant only for the high percentages of the specie in the experimental mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrate utilization rate is a value of functional diversity specific for every ecosystem. The microbial groups are responsible for the exploitation of nutrient resources and conversion of organic matter, releasing into the soil the necessary enzymes for decomposition and mineralization processes. Monitoring the microbial enzymatic activity in the soil provides a number of useful indicators in determining the quality and equilibrium of soil. The enzymatic activity is concentrated in the rhizosphere of plants, the scale of the interpretation of the enzymatic processes ranging from a micro-level to a macro-(landscape) level. Enzymes provide good indications on biogeochemical cycles of elements, with a higher intensity of activity near to the soil surface. The study of soil enzymes provide effective analytical units for microbial processes, nutrient reserves and composition of microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simultaneous evolution of superior plants with mycorrhizian fungi has created effective and productive symbiotic systems. The enlarged transfer interface between the two partners and the hypal networks increases the plants resistance to stress factors and its effectiveness of exploiting the nutritive reserves. During the vegetation period, once the colonization and surface of radicular system decreased, phosphorus depletion may take place, leading to a deficiency instalment of this element. Mycorrhizal hyphal networks and symbiotic interface provides a realistic image of the nutritional efficiency of plants. The aim of this study is to asses the impact of mineral fertilization with NPK at the end of the vegetation period of winter wheat. A balanced colonization of the radicular system is stimulated by applying moderated doses, but for the development of a strong arbuscular circuit, it is preferred to apply quantities of maximum 100 kg/ha phosphorus in the autumn and at the end of winter. Mineral fertilization maintain the wheat's degree of colonization at a 20% level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive and quantitative knowledge of ecological factors affecting crop production is needed in purpose to meet the challenge of growing world population with minimal environmental impact. Earthworms are target organisms both for scientists studying the biological component of soils and for farmers concerned with monitoring the quality of their soils. For the growing social interest to quantify the role of earthworms in ecosystems, a precise and accurate estimation of their diversity, abundance and biomass is needed. Earthworm ecologists tend to use methods of extraction with less use of chemicals, with this purpose we want to test some new environmental friendly methods like chili powder, mustard powder, mustard-vinegar suspension, in comparison with formalin 0.1% (10 ml in 8 l water) and 0.2% (15 ml in 8 l water). Efficiency of methods is compared in terms of earthworm species composition, numbers, biomass, ecological groups (epigeic, anecic, endogeic), development stages (adults + subadults vs. juveniles) and the mortality rates in the first week after sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]