Opportunity, Challenges and Approaches of Multivariate Diversity Analysis for Quantitative Traits of Pulse Crops: A Review

Plant breeding faces the significant challenge of feeding a growing global population on increasingly limited arable land. While advancements have been made in modern breeding practices, the narrow genetic base of many cultivated crops has created vulnerability in their genetic makeup. This underscores the necessity for a shift in plant breeding approaches, focusing on expanding the genetic resources utilized. Genetic diversity is widely recognized as a key factor in ensuring food and nutritional security. A deeper understanding of genetic variation will guide the conservation of essential resources. Multivariate techniques are particularly valuable in analyzing the relationships between variables, enabling researchers to explore these connections in a more expansive manner. By incorporating additional variables, methods like cross-tabulation, partial correlation, and multiple regression can clarify the nature of associations. D2 statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are commonly used to interpret morphological data due to their ease of interpretation. R software is a valuable tool in statistical analysis and data visualization, thanks to its adaptability. The findings from these analyses can inform various breeding strategies, including transgressive breeding, heterosis breeding, and the introduction of foreign genes to enhance specific traits

Antifungal Effects of Essential Oils on Plant Pathogens

Pathogens from the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, and Aspergillus are known for causing significant agricultural damage. The potential of essential oils in the biological control of pathogens is a topic that inspires curiosity and interest, as it represents an efficient method and a promising future perspective. Being produced by eukaryotic organisms, compared to bacterial infections, fungal infections are more challenging to treat. This paper reviews the antifungal potential of several essential oils, including clove, thyme, tea tree, oregano, lemongrass, lavender, mint, and winter savory. It highlights their active constituents such as eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol. Recent studies demonstrate that these oils inhibit fungal growth through various mechanisms, including disruption of cell membranes and inhibition of spore germination. However, the variety in the content of essential oils and their sensory effects on food items pose substantial barriers to their widespread application. Essential oils are considered viable alternatives because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties, sparking further research in this area

DNA Barcoding Analysis and Phylogenetic Position of Endemic Lysimachia savranii Species

In this study, DNA barcode analysis and phylogenetic position of endemic species Lysimachia savranii were determined using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA rbcL sequences. Green leaves of endemic L. savranii were brought to the laboratory and genomic DNA was isolated. ITS (ITS5A and ITS4) and rbcL (rbcLaF and rbcLaR) primers were used to perform the PCR amplifications. Using BioEdit 7.2.3 and FinchTV 1.4.0, forward and reverse sequences were checked and corrected and then blasted at NCBI. For phylogenetic analyses, different species were taken from NCBI and phylogenetic trees as well as genetic distance values were revealed. The ITS sequence length was determined to be 661 nt while the rbcL sequence length was 548 nt. In both the ITS and rbcL results, L. savranii was found to be genetically closest to the L. serpyllifolia species. In the phylogenetic analysis results, L. savranii appeared in a group with L. serpyllifolia, L. nemorum and Anagilis arvensis species. Additionally, previously studies conducted revealed that Lysimachia is a paraphyletic group and this is supported by our results

Study Regarding Methods and Techniques Used for Analysis of Spray Drift and Droplet Size Distribution by Agricultural Spraying Machines

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the methods and techniques used for analysis of spray drift and droplet size distribution by agricultural spraying machines. According to related standards and accepted definitions spray drift is the volume of plant protection product (PPP) that is transported by air currents from the target surface to another unintended area, during the application of PPP by agricultural spraying machines or by unmanned aerial spraying systems (UASS). Spray drift of PPP leads to pollution of watercourses, sensitive areas or direct damage (phytotoxicity) to neighboring crops. This paper analyses in force international standards and available literature, reports and scientific papers, that relate with issues regarding spray drift measurements.  Spray drift mitigation and management strategies are grouped in several key issues, that are related to the environment (e.g. meteorological variables), equipment design and PPP physical and chemical properties. For drift studies a variety of methods and techniques are used, each one with strengths and weaknesses, such as image analysis, image processing, real time measurements (Lidar and laser-based techniques)

Comparative Research of the Developmental Stages of Tenebrio molitor L.

This study focuses on the developmental stages of Tenebrio molitor L., namely the larvae, pupae, and adult stages when fed oats and carrots. The goal is to examine the influence of nutrition on growth rates, survival, and general development, focusing on the insect's potential as a sustainable protein source and its contribution to food security and the circular economy through the use of agricultural waste. We carefully observed the insects for 131 days, during which they went through a 94-day larval phase, 19 days of pupation, and an 18-day adult stage. During this time, we diligently tracked their morphological changes and growth parameters. The study found that larvae fed a mix of oats and carrots had faster development and greater survival rates. These findings underline the importance of food choices on T. molitor's developmental efficiency. The study supports the idea that T. molitor can be a feasible alternative for sustainable protein production, contributing to food security and encouraging agricultural waste recycling for insect farming, which aligns with the ideals of a circular economy.                                                                                    &nbsp

Geospatial Surveying for Floating Waste Mitigation Systems: A Multisensor Case Study on the Someșul Mare River

River pollution represents an environmental issue in Romania in recent years, particularly in the context of environmental protection and water quality monitoring. In the north-western region of Romania, upstream from the city of Beclean, the Someșul Mare River flows through numerous settlements. This has led to continuous changes in the river’s physical characteristics and an alarming increase in waste accumulation. The primary cause of this phenomenon is the local population’s improper waste disposal practices, where garbage is dumped directly into the riverbed. Even minor flood events mobilize and carry this waste downstream, further exacerbating the pollution problem. This research focuses on the collection of topographic and bathymetric data using photogrammetry, LiDAR, and sonar technologies, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the target area. These data support the mapping and planning of floating structures intended for biodiversity conservation and water management. Topographic surveys were conducted to provide accurate geospatial data from the field. To enhance topographical information, the UAS DJI Matrice M210 was used for collecting photogrammetric and LiDAR data, while underwater data was achieved using the Alpha Mi single beam echosounder system

Research on the Evaluation of Quantitative Characteristics in Dry Beans in the Context of Climate Change in Central Moldavia, Romania

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is a valuable source of nutrients, and as a nitrogen-fixing plant, it improves soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. The main objective of the study conducted at ARDS Secuieni was to diversify agricultural crops in the Moldova Center by expanding the acreage of dwarf field beans in farms. In the experimental field at ARDS Secuieni, the growth of bean crops was monitored under different climatic conditions. The biological material used in the experiment was the Delia variety and the study focused on assessing the quantitative characteristics of beans, including yield, as well as analyzing the economic efficiency of bean yield. Weather data were obtained from the unit's own meteorological station, located in the experimental field. The analyzed parameters varied significantly from year to year, being negatively affected by soil drought and atmospheric heat. Seed yields showed high variability from year to year, ranging from 1044 kg/ha to 1459 kg/ha. Even though bean yields were significantly reduced, the net profit achieved under the conditions at ARDS Secuieni was substantial, ranging from 5342 lei/ha to 8534 lei/ha. The study conducted at ARDS Secuieni highlighted that, in addition to its recognized nutritional benefits, field beans also offer high economic profitability. Expanding the area cultivated with this crop would improve economic returns and contribute to agricultural sustainability. &nbsp

Smart Land Management through GIS–Innovative System of Monitoring Fragmentation and Infrastructure Development

The paper aims to present an innovative land management solution based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for monitoring and improving land use management. The proposed system allows landowners to visualize their properties, each assigned a unique identification code, through an application created in ArcGIS Online. The methodology consists of two main components: the phase of collecting topographical data and the phase of using GIS tools to analyze and monitor both the current state of the land and its potential for future development. This approach facilitates the tracking of land fragmentation, infrastructure development, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, the system provides essential statistical insights that support sustainable land management and informed decision-making in land-use planning

Transfer Capacity of Some Pollutants - Heavy Metals from Soil to Prunus sp.

The aim of the present paper is to know the current level of heavy metal contamination, in particular Pb and Cd, in soil and fruit (Prunus sp.) in the area of the glacis and contact piedmont of the Baia Mare Depression. The final aim is to determine the most effective measures to rebalance the affected croplands. The area of interest is an area of approx. 588.8 km2 of the area presented above and, for comparison, a "clean area" in the Maramureș Depression, i.e., the Sighetu-Marmației area. From these perimeters both soil samples from different depths and Prunus fruit samples (ripe, healthy plums from different farms) were taken. Based on the obtained results we are entitled to state that an integrated soil-crop-plant analysis is required. With this paper we emphasize the importance of compliance with food safety standards at international and national level through Codex Alimentarius and Order 975/1998

Morpho-physiological Characteristics under Salinity Stress of Triticum aestivum L. var. Alex

The aim of the study was to highlight morpho-physiological changes like plant height, spike characteristics and stomata features in wheat induced by salt stress. Seeds of wheat var. Alex were sown, in mezo-phyto-cosmos, in five repetitions, under six saline doses, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mM NaCl. The experiment was conducted under field conditions. The assessments including plant height, arista, and spike length were taken and evaluated at the end of the experiment. Adaxial stomatal imprints have been sampled and the stomata density (number of stomata/mm2) and their size were assessed under the microscope. Wheat morphological parameters were affected by the highest salinity dose. Plant height was significantly reduced in the 60 and 75 mM NaCl doses by 16% and 20%. The spike length showed a significant reduction only in the highest saline dose treatment. Arista length registered the highest value in the 15 mM NaCl treatment with 23% more compared to the control. Stomata density reported the highest value in the 15 mM NaCl treatment, significantly higher compared to the 0 mM NaCl dose. The highest salinity doses significantly reduced plant height and spike length. Arista length and stomata density showed similar patterns