On the Future Perspectives of Some Medicinal Plants within Lamiaceae Botanic Family Regarding Their Comprehensive Properties and Resistance against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

Lamiaceae is one of the largest botanical families, encompassing over 6000 species that include a variety of aromatic and medicinal spices. The current study is focused on three plants within this botanical family: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.). These three species contain primary and secondary metabolites such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential oils and have traditionally been used for flavoring, food preservation, and medicinal purposes. The goal of this study is to provide an overview of the nutraceutical, therapeutic, antioxidant, and antibacterial key features of these three aromatics to explore new breeding challenges and opportunities for varietal development. In this context, a literature search has been performed to describe the phytochemical profile of both primary and secondary metabolites and their pharmacological uses, as well as to further explore accession availability in the medicine industry and also to emphasize their bioactive roles in plant ecology and biotic and abiotic stress adaptability. The aim of this review is to explore future perspectives on the development of new, highly valuable basil, summer savory, and thyme cultivars. The findings of the current review emphasize the importance of identifying the key compounds and genes involved in stress resistance that can also provide valuable insights for further improvement of these important medicinal plants

Monitoring behavior of different tomato genotypes cultivated in ecological system in protected area

An increasing demand for organic vegetables is a great opportunity and a challenge for organic vegetable growers and also for researchers to develop new studies. Our challenge to develop research in ecological system has dual valence: (1) ecological systems has the potential to support biodiversity conservation through (increased number and variety of cultivated wild species, maintaining soil healthy and soil fauna, reducing the risk of water pollution) (2) use of the products obtained in organic farming is able to ensure safety food. The study was conducted on a diverse tomatoes collection cultivated in protected area in ecological culture system. We select different local populations known for high level of quality and also for resistance to pathogen attach. Our purpose is to provide healthy food for consumers and also to select the best forms for introduction in breeding programs. This research paper presents some results regarding type of growth, production potential (t/ha), precocity, plant resistance to pathogens, some fruit characteristics like: shape, color, weigh, lodge number, firmness, storage and split resistance

Studiul unor cultivaruri de varză kale prin semănat direct şi răsad în cultură de toamnă

The Nero di Toscana variety had very good suitability for sowing under drip irrigation conditions, followed by the varieties Dwarf Green Curled S, Larkezungen and Westlander Halbhoher. Under sprinkling irrigation conditions, the emergence of plants was reduced at Larkezungen variety at 50%, Westlander Halbhoher at 12.5% The feature leaf/plant production varied as follows: Larkezungen -542 g, Westlander Halbhoher -347 g, Reflex F1 -336 g, Black magic -332 g, Dwarf Green Curled S -322 g and Dwarf Green Curled -312 g. Total yield (leaves + strains) was 825 g -Larkezungen, 434 g -Westlander Halbhoher, 422 g -Reflex F1, 380 g -Black magic, 372 g -Dwarf Green Curled S, -Fizz, 332 g -Nero di Toscana, 321 g -Pentland Brigg. Other varieties had a yield of less than 300 g / plant

Functional quality of improved tomato genotypes grown in open field and in plastic tunnel under organic farming

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg 100 g1 FW. In contrast, the content in -carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg 100 g1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg 100 g1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg 100 g1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system

Nutritional value of new sweet pepper genotypes grown in organic system

The market request for organic vegetables has grown recently for their positive impact on healthy diets. Consumers have progressively shown preferences for various combinations of color, size, and shape of pepper fruits. Facilitating communication, collaboration, and participation in the selection of cultivars with superior performance, flavor, texture, and culinary attributes can represent a key tool in breeding for nutritional and culinary traits. The current research started from the premise that organic production involves achieving adequate nutritional and culinary quality of pepper fruits. The study was conducted to investigate traits related culinary quality of pepper genotypes, especially in the ripening phase of fruits, to select the best resources with a high antioxidant content for breeding programs. The biological material represented by nine genotypes of sweet pepper was cultivated in the open fields during 2019 and 2020 at the experimental stations of the Vegetable Research Development Station of Bacau and of Iasi University of Life Sciences. Agricultural practices and intensive breeding focused on yield and stress tolerance have indirectly led to a reduction in the nutrition and flavor of the produce. Complex approaches, including screening of consumer preferences, phenotyping, and use of modern genomics and analytical chemistry tools in breeding, together with participatory farmer-breeder-chef-consumer collaborations, can represent a strategy to facilitate the development of the next generation of crops aimed to meet the growing demands of safe and nutritionally vegetables featured by culinary standards as good flavor, color, and texture

The study of qanty – qualitative traits of five genotypes of Phaseolus aureus Roxb.

This study was conducted in North East part of Romania at Vegetable Research and Development Station Bacau. The aim of research was to establish the proper technology and the most suitable genopypes of mung bean for cultivation in agro climatic condition of Moldova region.The biological material was represented by a small collection of five genotypes of Phaseolus aureus (PA1, PA2, PA3, PA4 and PA5). The weight of 1000 seeds varied from 23.80 g to 55.5 g. Also the color, shape and aspects of seeds ranged from dark green, green, yellow – green, to mustard yellow; round to oval, dull to shiny. We organized our experimental field using three different densities and three different periods for sowing the seeds. We registered differences like number of pods per plant, number of seeds in pods and MMB. Density influenced: plant heights, number of branches of plant, port plant, the percentage of binding mode and productivity. Age influenced the duration to plant emergence, plant heights, number of branches to plant, port plant, precocity and productivity. Genotype influenced springing duration, plant heights, number of branches to plant, port plant, precocity and productivity. The average pod yield per hectare was 5.78 tons and the average seed yield per hectare was 1.62 tons. The results of our experiments allowed us to make recommendations regarding the best technology for cultivation in order to obtain the proper yield and high level of seeds quality. The paper presents also aspects regarding the protein, fats, water content of mungo seeds. Protein intake of Phaseolus aureus species is supported by higher protein content, 27.5% versus 21.3% for Phaseolus vulgaris (used as control variant). Lipids were present in rate of 1.3% - 1.6% in Phaseolus aureus. Starch content which ranged from 54.35% to 55.85% in mungbean seeds depending on cultivar. Water content varied inversely with total dry matter and minerals content of seeds. The recorded values of water content of mungbean seeds varied from 8.24% to 9.75%. Phaseolus aureus culture can play an important role in crop rotation, having a key role in organic farming system

The Evaluation of Carbon Farming Strategies in Organic Vegetable Cultivation

The urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has prompted the exploration of various strategies, including the adaptation of carbon farming practices, to achieve sustainability in agricultural systems. In this research, we assess the viability of carbon farming practices for organic vegetable growing in Europe. The study explores the potential benefits of these practices, including GHG emissions’ mitigation and improved soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, while also acknowledging the need for further research to optimize implementation strategies and foster widespread adoption. However, the suitability and effectiveness of carbon farming practices in organic vegetable production systems remain uncertain. The analysis considers the measurement and estimation methods employed to assess changes in soil carbon stocks and the potential environmental and economic implications for farmers. Despite a substantial body of data demonstrating the sustainable attributes of carbon farming and its multifaceted advantages, a degree of hesitancy persists. Considering this, we propose undertaking a concise strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to evaluate multiple aspects of carbon farming. The findings reveal that carbon farming practices can be viable and advantageous in organic vegetable production. Carbon farming practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost application, and agroforestry, can significantly enhance the sustainability of organic farming systems. Implementing these practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health and fertility, and promote biodiversity conservation. Farmer education and support, policy measures, and continued research are crucial for maximizing the potential of these practices for a sustainable future. These practices also contribute to developing climate-friendly agricultural systems, promoting environmental resilience, and reducing the ecological footprint of organic vegetable production. However, further research is needed to optimize implementation strategies, address site-specific challenges, and foster widespread adoption of carbon farming practices in organic vegetable production