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Rose petals (Rosa L.) are rich sources of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins. Anthocyanins and anthocyanidins are associated with multiple health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. In this study, eighteen rose cultivars were comparatively analyzed to determine their total polyphenol and flavonoid content, as well as their antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The extracts were purified using Amberlite XAD-7 and Sephadex LH-20 columns to obtain anthocyanin-rich fractions. Individual anthocyanins were separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The three cultivars with the highest anthocyanin content were further examined for cytotoxic effects on cell cultures at various extract concentrations (200-1000 µg/mL) using two skin cell lines: a melanoma cell line (A375) and a normal skin cell line (Hs27). The HPLC-MS analysis identified nine different anthocyanin compounds, with the total anthocyanin content in the rose cultivars varying from 12.42 to 331.95 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/100g of fresh weight. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents ranged from 289 to 2703 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g fresh weight and 102 to 603 mg catechin equivalent/100g fresh weight, respectively. Antioxidant activity ranged from 450 to 1304 µmol trolox equivalent/g fresh weight. A significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and the content of anthocyanins (R = 0.875, p < 0.001), flavonoids (R = 0.982, p < 0.001), and polyphenols (R = 0.991, p < 0.001). Furthermore, principal component analysis, along with dendrograms and heatmaps, illustrated the relationships among these key compounds and their association with antioxidant activity. The MTT assay showed a substantial suppression of A375 cancer skin cells, while simultaneously exhibiting cell proliferation in Hs27 normal skin cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Altogether, results suggest that the anthocyanins from these rose cultivars could be considered as a promising agent for adjuvant treatment of skin melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vineyard soils are often of inherently poor quality with low organic carbon content. Management can improve soil properties and thus soil fertility. In European wine‐growing regions, a broad range of inter‐row management strategies evolved based on specific local site conditions and the varying effects of management intensities on soil, water balance, yield and grape quality. Accordingly, there is a need to investigate the effects of locally common cover crop management strategies and tillage intensity on soil organic carbon content and soil physical parameters. In this study, we investigated the impact of the most common inter‐row management practices in Austria, France, Romania and Spain. In all countries, we compared paired sites. Each site with cover crops and inter‐row management of low intensity was compared with one site with (temporarily) bare soil and high management intensity. All studied sites with cover crops and low management intensity, except those in Spain, had higher organic carbon contents than the paired more intensively managed vineyards. However, the highly water‐limited Spanish vineyards with temporary cover crops had lower organic carbon contents than the paired sites with bare soil. Sites with more organic carbon had better results for bulk density, percolation stability (PS), hydraulic conductivity and available soil water, with soil hydraulic parameters being less pronounced than others. Country comparison of inter‐row weed control systems showed that PS was particularly low in sampled vineyards in Romania and Spain, where weed control is based on intensive mechanical tillage. Alternating management systems with tillage every second inter‐row showed a decrease in soil structure compared with permanent green cover. Thus, inter‐row management with cover crops and reduced tillage increases soil organic carbon content and improves soil structure compared with bare soil management. If local constraints, such as water scarcity, do not allow year‐round planting, alternating inter‐row management with several years of alternating periods may be an option to mitigate those adverse effects. However, negative impact on the soil structure occurs with the very first tillage operation, whereas negative effects on the carbon balance only appear after long‐term use of tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, the change of wine grape variety for economic reasons in vineyards established under reconversion/ restructuring programs can be done after at least 10 years of vineyard exploitation. In the context of climate changes modifications in the microclimates of vine-growing areas are increasingly observed. Extreme climatic phenomena, with an impact on the harvest or the lifespan of grapevines, are becoming more and more aggressive, with quantifiable effects in the wine industry as well. We have carried out an analysis, on various aspects, of the behavior of the 'Cabernet Sauvignon' variety in the vine-growing areas of Romania. For comparison, the years 2018 and 2022 were analyzed, in the terms of cultivated areas and produced and marketed wines. Our analysis suggests that in the near future, in Romania, due to climate change, there will be vineyard areas where this variety will either no longer be cultivated, or it will be used only for the production of rosé wines or bulk red wines and oenological modelling according to consumption trends is neither economical nor justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some fertilizers containing amino acids could help recover grapevine plants after hail stress and on the quality and quantity of harvest. After the hail damage on April 30th, 2019, three treatments with an amino-acids complex were applied to the grapevine canopy - at 20-25 cm, at 35-40 cm shoot length, and berries growth - on Fetească neagră grapevines at Serve Winery, Dealu Mare vineyard. At harvest, the quality and quantity of grape was tested for treated and untreated variant. The total anthocyanins for the treated variant were 211 mg/100 g FW and for the untreated variant - 198 mg/100 g FW. The content of total polyphenols total was 376 g/100 g FW for the treated variant, significantly higher than the untreated variant 320 g/100g FW. The content of flavonoids for the treated variant was of 147 g/100 g FW significantly lower than the untreated variant 130 g/100 g FW. The treatment with amino acids influenced the quantity and the quality of grape harvest affected by the hail, with significant results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is currently the greatest threat to the environment as we know it today. The present study aimed to highlight the changes in the main climatic elements during the last five decades (1971–2020) in northeastern Romania (Copou-Iaşi wine-growing center) and their impact on grape quality, as part of precision viticulture strategies and efficient management of grapevine plantations. Data analysis revealed a constant and significant increase in the average air temperature in the last 50 years (+1.70 °C), more pronounced in the last 10 years (+0.61 °C), with a number of days with extreme temperatures (>30 °C) of over 3.5-fold higher, in parallel with a fluctuating precipitation regime. The increase in average temperatures in the last 40 years was highly correlated with the advancement of the grape harvest date (up to 12 days), a significant increase in Vitis vinifera L. white grape sugar concentration (+15–25 g/L), and a drastic decrease in total acidity (−2.0–3.5 g/L tartaric acid). The significant increase in the values of the bioclimatic indices require the reclassification of the wine-growing area in higher classes of favorability, raising the opportunity to grow cultivars that are more suited to warmer climates, ensuring the efficiency of the plantation, and meeting current consumer expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds, extractable from grape skins and seeds, have a notable influence on the sensorial properties of red wines, especially their chromatic characteristics, bitterness and astringency. The phenolic compounds, together with the aroma precursors are the main factors that affect wine quality. In this sense, the aim of our work were to (i) establishment the ecoclimatic conditions from Dealu Bujorului vineyard 2018 year of culture, and (ii) determination of phenolic maturity of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Feteasca neagra, Babeasca neagra, Merlot and Burgund varieties. In case of phenolic content, anthocyanin, hue and color intensity differed among vintages, no clear trend was evident. The lack of clear relationship between vintages is most likely the product of the complex nature of phenol composition and how it is affected by varying climatic conditions between seasons, as well as variation amongst the wines in terms of degree of aging

Apple is an important dietary source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, and its regular consumption is associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of fresh peels of four red-skinned (“Champion”, “Generos”, “Idared”, “Florina”) and two yellow-skinned (“Golden Delicious”, “Reinette Simirenko”) apple varieties. Antioxidant activity of apple peel extracts was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS radical scavenging capacity assays. Total carotenoid and polyphenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while the profile of individual carotenoids and anthocyanins (in red-skinned varieties) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). Carotenoid composition was specific for each variety, and total carotenoid content was slightly higher in yellow-skinned apple peels compared to red-skinned varieties. In contrast, total phenolic content was higher in the peels of red-skinned cultivars. Anthocyanin profile was predominated by cyanidin-3-O-galactoside. Antioxidant potential followed the trend of the total polyphenolic content, being highest in “Florina”, as measured by both FRAP and ABTS assays. Our results demonstrated apple peels have high phytochemical content with diverse compositions, and their regular consumption can be an excellent source of antioxidants.

In the wine industry, sulfur dioxide (SO2) has an important role, as an antioxidant, and antiseptic additive. Lately, manufacturers of products specific to wine production technology are developing biological protocols for treating musts and wines using different types of yeasts. The purpose of the research is to study the impact of replacing SO2 in the first phase of the winemaking process with biological methods on the flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant potential in Fetească neagră wine. The red wine from Fetească neagră, 2021 harvest - Dealu Mare Vineyard was made through two methods: treated with SO2 6% (25 mg/L) and treated with Primaflora VR Bio (7 g/hL). The IC50 value for the variant treated with Primaflora VR BIO was 722 mg/mL and the variant treated with SO2 recorded a 724 mg/ml, the differences being non-significant. Primaflora VR Bio is an effective and promising alternative in terms of the quality of oenological and biochemical parameters, and a basic variant for ecological, biological wines with a low sulfite content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the mineral concentrations of 61 honey samples from eight Romanian regions, employing advanced techniques to assess 30 chemical elements. Potassium emerged as the dominant element, showcasing significant variations across geographical locations. Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and manganese maintained consistent levels, while zinc, copper, and chromium were present in smaller proportions. Critically, lead and cadmium levels exceeded established safety limits in some samples, suggesting potential environmental contamination. Additionally, elevated levels of lithium, strontium, nickel, and aluminum were detected, hinting at possible atmospheric pollution. These findings highlight the importance of regional analysis, as mineral content varied significantly between locations. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed interdependencies among elements, suggesting shared environmental influences. Advanced statistical techniques like hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis effectively captured the impact of geographical origin on honey composition. These insights contribute valuable information for future efforts in honey quality control, traceability systems, and regulatory measures. By providing valuable insights into environmental influences on honey composition, this study informs future research endeavors and paves the way for the development of robust regulatory measures to ensure honey safety for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an overview of the substantial changes in the structure of the wine grape assortment in Romania through the use of European funds allocated for vineyards reconversion/restructuring. Between 2007 and 2022, both new international varieties, which previously existed only in ampelographic collections, and old Romanian varieties, which are more adaptable to climate change and are increasingly appreciated by the wine drinking public, were introduced into the Romanian wine assortment. The study presents an update on the evolution of the areas cultivated with the most widespread wine grape varieties destinated for wines with protected designation of origin, protected geographical indication and varietally. On this basis, the quality level of the wines obtained during the 15 years studied was analyzed, based on the assessments made by the specialist tasting committees of the governmental Body which, on the basis of the traceability ensured by the producer, guarantees their origin and authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of three cytokines [6-benzyladenine (BA), meta-Topoline (mT), and zeatin (Z)] on the in vitro propagation of C. avellana. The culture medium used in all in vitro culture stages was McCown's Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 100 mg/l Sequestrene 138.3% (w/v) sugar, solidified with 5 g/l. Plant agar and pH 5.8. At the initiation stage, single-node mini cuttings were inoculated on WPM medium supplemented with 2 mg/l Z, and the initiation percentage was 66.66%. The highest proliferation rate (2.21 ± 0.11) was observed on the culture medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BA followed by the culture medium supplemented with 4 mg/l Z (1.93 ± 0.03). The shortest shoots were measured on WPM medium with 4 mg/l BA, with an average length of 1.81 ± 0.08 cm, and the longest shoots (3.46 ± 0.02 cm) were obtained on WPM medium with 4 mg/l Z. The in vitro rooting percentage was 81.66 ± 0.39% when using the WPM medium with 1 mg/l Z. The rooted plants obtained in vitro showed an acclimation rate of 97.66%, and out of these, 96% survived under greenhouse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Vitis vinifera grape varieties ‘Sultanine’ and ‘Corinth’ were used to obtain raisins. The vines are grown in a cool climate (Cluj Napoca - in NV of Romania, an area not included in a viticultural area). During 2020, the grapes were harvested at 195 g/l - ‘Sultanine’ and 234 g/l for ‘Corinth’. The berries were dehydrated using a household Gorenje 240W drier, at 40°C, for 24 hours. The soluble dry matter content for raisin was higher for raisins of the ‘Corinth’ variety (61.11%) and for the ‘Sultanine’ (59.89%). Regarding the moisture of the finished product - raisins, a high content was determined for the variety ‘Sultanine’ - 19%, followed by the variety ‘Corinth’ - 15.61%. The rehydration power of raisins had values of over 80% for both types of raisins. For the amateur culture, these varieties can be recommended, given that, in recent years, due to climate change, there have been no temperatures in this area during the rest period that could cause frost over the winter. The warm autumn favoured reaching full maturity for these varieties, even in the conditions in Cluj. Raisins can be easily obtained in the household, by using household dryers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine planting producing material is focused to produce healthy and long-lived vines. This study analyzes the strategic choices of a nursery to obtain the best profit rate on grafted and potted vines 'Fetească regală' grape variety grafted on Oppenheim Selection 4 root stock was paraffined 8-chinolinol wax (before callusing), and silver color blue color (after grafting callusing and before planting in pots). The unit cost price was calculated based on total expenses and the yield of grafts obtained in the vine greenhouse nursery. The grafts were potted in three rooting mixtures (BP: forest ground 50% + red peat 30% + river sand 15% + conifer sawdust 5%; RP: forest ground 60% + black peat 25% + river sand 10%+ conifer sawdust 5%; RS: forest ground 70% + river sand 15% + conifer sawdust 15%. Variant RP generated the highest yield of the potted grafted vine with a rate of profit of 174.94%, while variant RS, generated the lowest yield directly related with cost production, and rate of profit (133.34%). The results are useful for the small-tomedium grapevine nurseries to choose the best strategies and to enhance their competitiveness and survive in their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of 12 metals (Mg, Ca, K, M, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn) in 14 classes of alcoholic beverages were determined by ICP-MS after HNO3/H2O2 digestion. The mean concentration of metals (μg/mL) in these alcoholic beverages varied in the ranges 0.26-15.43, 0.94-234.43, 0.56-278.02, 0.02-2.69, 0.18-2.64, 0.03-0.13, 0.03-0.13, 0.02-0.29, 0.04-2.51, 0.03-0.30, 0.02-0.04, and 0.13-0.88 for Mg, Ca, K, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn respectively. The concentration of metals found in these particular alcoholic beverages was below the International Statutory Limits for metals in alcoholic beverages. The estimated daily intake of the metals based on a per capita consumption of 14.4 L per annum pure alcohol was lower than the tolerable daily intake of each metal. The individual and combined target hazard quotients of the metals were <1, indicating no longterm health concerns from the consumption of these alcoholic beverages based on their metal content alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ICP-MS technique was used to determine elemental composition (Pb, Sr, Cd, Ni, Co, Cu, Ni, Hg, As, Cr and Mn) of wines (Muscat Ottonel, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Fetească Neagră, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) wines produced in 2015, 2016 and 2017 from Bujoru, Smulti and Oancea wine-growing centers from Dealu Bujorului Vineyard. For all tested wine samples, the toxic metals contents were found in quantities below the limits established by legislation. The average data shows that the red wines contain highest concentration of Cd (0.17 μg/L), while the content of Cd in white wines are 0.11 μg/L. The concentration of U was 0.25 μg/L in red wines and 0.24 μg/L in white wines, while the concentration of Hg was 0.24 μg/L in red wines and 0.20 μg/L in white wines. The mean contents of Ni, Cr and Mn were 312.32 μg/L, 526.19±2.63 μg/L and 0.59±0.08mg/L, respectively. The concentration for Cu ranged from 0.45±0.10 mg/L to 0.90±0.04 mg/L, the last value being close to the law limit (1 mg/L). The four samples [Merlot 0.82±0.07 mg/L Bujoru wine-growing center (2015), Feteasca Alba 0.83±0.05 mg/L Smulti wine-growing center (2015), Merlot 0.83±0.05 mg/L Smulti winegrowing center (2015) and Cabernet Sauvignon 0.83±0.08 mg/L Oancea winegrowing center (2015)] showed relatively high concentration of Cu. Reporting the obtained results [Cd average 0.13±0.02 μg/L (0.1mg/kg M.L.A. = Maximum Limit Allowed) Pb average 40.64±1.85 μg/L (0.15 mg/kg M.A.L); As average 11.87±1.37 μg/L (0.2 mg/kg M.A.L); Cu average 0.67±0.09 mg/L (1 mg/kg M.A.L) to national and international legislation we can say that the wine from Dealu Bujorului vineyard falls within the limits set by the law. The content of potentially toxic elements such as Cd, Pb, U, Hg, As, Cu, Ni, Cr and Mn are lower than values found in literature, highlighting the safety and quality of the analysed Romanian wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pigments composition of sweet cherry leaves (Prunus avium L.) were identified for the first time under condition of Cluj-Napoca city. Five cherry tree varieties (Merchant, Early Red, Lapins, Burlat, Kordia) have been selected in autumn of 2016 in order to identify and quantify the major pigments in these types of leaves. Five carotenoids (lutein, β- carotene, zeaxanthin, cis-β-caroten, α-carotene) and one major anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-glucoside) were found in cherry leaves. The main carotenoids identified in all cultivars were lutein (340.55 μg/g), followed by β-carotene (147.06 μg/g). Early Red cultivar had the highest content of cyanidin-3- glucoside (17.96 mg/100g), followed by Kordia variety (11.46 mg/100g). Cyanidin-3-glucoside is responsible for red coloration of the leaves, meanwhile lutein, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, cis-β-carotene and α-carotene are providing yellow to orange colours of the leaves. The coloration of sweet cherry leaves, given by the accumulation of anthocyanin and carotenoids in autumn, makes this species suitable for ornamental use in urban design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]