Investigations on the influence of fertilization and maize (Zea mays l.) root exudates on soil microflora

Researches were carried out on maize (Zea mays L.) field trials located in the south region of Moldavian plain (Ezareni Farm), studying the effects of mineral fertilization (N - 150 kg/ha, P and K - 75 kg/ha) and different compost (organic fertilizer) rates (10 t/ha, 20 t/ha and 30 t/ha). The objectives of this investigation were to isolate and quantify the existing microbial population in soil (Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, micromycetes) establishing their participation ratio, the main fungus genres which activate in soil and their activity level for each variant. Mineral fertilizer has caused a increasing in the number of microorganisms. The inhibitory effect of the organic fertilizer used was pronounced in case of compost application in dosage of 30 t/ha. This dosage caused a reduction in the number of microorganisms and microbial activity in soil. The results illustrate the influence of the fertilization on the dynamic of microorganisms population, on the relationship between the main groups (bacteria and fungi), and on the micromycetes spectrum determined in each variant of our experiment

Assessment of yeast diversity in different soil types under various management regimes in Moldavia region, Romania

This study examined the diversity and abundance of yeasts population isolated from soils sample under different agricultural regimes (permanent grassland, arable land under agricultural rotation, forest land etc) from Moldavia region located in northeastern Romania, which covers an area of 35,806 km2 and has a population of approximately 4.3 million inhabitants. Twenty sites were common to the two samplings in May and September, 2015 and 2016. Soil samples were represented by typical chernozem, greic chernozem, psamic chernozem, cambic chernozem, faeoziom chernozem, preluvosoil, albic luvosoil, psamic luvosoil, solonchak, solonetz, planosoil, molic saline aluviosoil, vertosoil and gleiosoil. At each site, five replicate bulk samples were taken, consisting of 10 randomly collected sub-samples from the surface soil (10-15 cm horizon). The samples were transported to the laboratory, stored overnight at 4°C, air-dried at room temperature and sieved (2-mm mesh) prior to further use in the experiment. The soils pH values covered a range between 5.6 (planosoil) and 8.7 (solonchak). Yeast isolation and obtaining of the pure cultures was done mainly through inoculums dissemination and loop exhaustion techniques on solid nutrient media. We isolated and identified molecularly a total of 33 yeast species, including several possible new species. Occurrence and distribution of yeasts isolated from these soils provide new insights into ecology and niche specialization of several soil-borne species. Species composition of different localities was very heterogeneous and many of the species were found in a single site only

Serological detection of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) in ampelographic collection from USAMV Iasi (Romania)

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is one of the most severe virus diseases in vineyards worldwide. It causes extensive leaf yellowing, stem and leaf deformation, reduced fruit quality, substantial crop loss and shortened longevity of vineyards. GFLV is transmitted specifically from grapevine to grapevine by the ectoparasitic nematode Xiphinema index, and belongs to the genus Nepovirus in the family Comoviridae. During 2009 and 2011 a sanitary survey was conducted in the ampelographic collection of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iaşi (Romania) on 170 cultivars belonging to Vitis spp. Our objectives were to determine the presence and distribution of GFLV across the ampelographic collection, and to find out if the virus titre fluctuation is cultivar specific. Leaf samples were taken during spring season from vines exhibiting virus-like symptoms or general vine decline. Three mature leaves including the petiole from different sections of the vine, keeping between the first and fifth node from the base of the vine were collected in dry, cool weather. The results of DAS-ELISA test confirm that virus was present in 29 grapevine cultivars (17.1% of total) from the ampelographic collection. Infected vine cultivars with the highest OD (optical density) values were Gordan, Newburger, Cioinic, Galbenă de Odobeşti, Blauerzweigelt and Merlot

Incidence of major grapevine fungal diseases during 2012 in ampelographic collection of USAMV Iaşi

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola Berk. & Curt.), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator Schw.) and gray mould (Botrytis cinerea Pers.) are the most ubiquitously damaging disease of grapevines worldwide, reducing yield, vine growth and fruit quality. The mildew and powdery mildew attack all aerial parts of grapevine plants, while grape gray mould is frequently encountered on the mature berries, close to harvest. Incidence of the most important vineyard diseases was investigated in ampelographic collection belonging to Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine University (USAMV) from Iaşi (SE Romania) in 2012. Biological material was represented by different grapevine varieties, both table and wine grapes varieties. The field observations were correlated with yearly phenological and ecological elements witch lead to prognoses and control of main fungal pathogen. Depending on degree of attack recorded for each cultivar the resistance or sensibility of analyzed cultivars (by OIV 1983) was established. The grape varieties taken in study showed different reactions under the same environmental conditions, materialized by different attack degrees of grapevine mildew, powdery mildew and grape gray mould. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and distribution of the most important vineyard diseases across the ampelographic collection of USAMV Iaşi (SE Romania) in 2012

Comparative study on the microbiology and morphology of milk and cheese microbiota

Over time, many studies have been developed to describe microbial communities and to understand the dynamics and the role of these organisms during milk processing and during production of different types of cheese. For an evaluation of the microbiology of milk and cheese, a comparative study was carried out on 5 samples of whole cow's milk and 5 samples of Telemea-type cheeses in terms of identification and morphological characterization of milk microorganisms as raw material and cheese, as a finished product obtained, by correlating their microbiological characteristics in relation to the identified physico-chemical characteristics. The results obtained for the milk and cheese samples corresponded to those mentioned in the product-specific standards. Microbiologically, for the milk samples, the median value was 6.1 x 103 CFU/mL for milk and for the telemea cheese the CFU of samples was 4.3 x 103 CFU/g product. Microscopic analysis revealed a total of 9 colonies: 7 colonies of yeast and 2 colonies of bacteria, to which was added a mold (Fusarium spp.). The final results showed that there may be a certain degree of contamination, due to factors such as sanitary-veterinary hygiene and resistance increasing degree of microorganisms

Yeast diversity in winemaking in Romania and abroad: a review

Nowadays, the most important aspect of viniculture is alcoholic fermentation. Most of the wine-growing countries are searching new ways to isolate and select local yeast strains. Using native yeasts in oenological practice is essential in orde to maintain the defining and authenticity aromatic profile, therefore improving the quality of wine. In this review are highlighted the results of various researches regarding the identification of yeast strains from the indigenous flora and their influence in enhancing winemaking technologies. The publications selected from electronic databases were reported between 1980 and 2021. Thus, in this article, the main yeasts encountered in winemaking centers and their importance in optimizing winemaking technologies have been highlighted and presented

Occurance of airborne fungal spores with potential allergogen effect in urban and rural educational institutions from Iaşi county, Romania

Air contamination by airborne fungal spores in five educational institutions placed in urban and rural locations of Iasi county, Romania was investigated in 2014 over a period of 3 months (April-June) using the Petri plate gravitational settling (passive) method. Petri plates contained nutrient media (PDA) in three different compositions (classic, with rose-bengal and with streptomycin) were exposed to room air for a 15-min period face upwards to collect particles settling by gravity. The location differed in habitat characteristics, such as urbanisation level, vegetation and microclimate and these characteristics could affect spore occurrence in indoor air. The identification of the fungi was made according to their microscopic properties and through references. The fungal genera most commonly isolated in all five locations were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus (40.5, 26.3 and 23.5% of the total, respectively). Our results showed that fungal spores density in the educational institutions air was within the sanitary level accepted for public buildings, with exception of one classroom from the rural area (Mogoşeşti-Siret), which has potential to develop adverse health effects to the occupants (1196 UFC/m3 air)

Comparative study regarding in vitro infections with Erwinia amylovora and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on pomaceae species

The knowledge about pome fruit trees bacterioses and their evolution in orchards is a major objective for plant protection. Erwinia amylovora and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae cause on attacked organs of Pomaceae species similar dieback symptoms in vegetative and flowering shoots of quince, pear and apple in spring. Both bacteria can produce disastrous diseases in orchards and are therefore of great economic importance. Biological materials represented by vegetative shoots, leaves and fruits of Pyrus spp., Malus spp., Cydonia spp. were used after isolation of different E. amylovora and Ps. syringae pv. syringae strains for in vitro infections. Results presented in this study established that for in vitro inoculation of Pomaceae species similar symptoms in case of leaves and, respectively different symptoms for vegetative shoots and fruits occurred. The occurrence time was the only difference, because Ps. syringae pv. syringae spread faster than E. amylovora. The vegetative shoots inoculated with E. amylovora, in comparison to Ps. syringae pv. syringae, were more damaged and for both bacteria the highest values for attack degree were recorded in case of pear species, followed by quince and apples, respectively

Perception of consumers and producers on milk traceability supply chain

Food traceability (FT) in is an important tool for reducing the occurrence of foodborne diseases in the current context of a continuously growing volume and movement of food. The aim of the research was to determine the perception of consumers and producers regarding FT, the impact on purchase / sale and loyalty to traceable food products (FTP). Thus, a survey was conducted on the milk supply chain in Neamț County, Romania with two questionnaires: for consumers and for producers. The TwoStep Cluster analysis allowed the establishment of 2 clusters for consumers and 2 for producers. Cluster 1 consumers (40.6%) priority: rural area, between 30 and 60 years old; secondary education, women are informed about FT. They consider that FTs are 10% more expensive than non-traceable products and traceability is a formality. Cluster 2 consumers (34.8%) priority: urban environment, with secondary education, men, well informed about FT and are willing to buy for food safety even if the price would increase by 20%. Cluster 1 producers (61.1%) priority: rural area, secondary education, information on FT at medium level and appreciate that traceability is expensive and the information provided can reduce the competitive advantage and increase taxation. Cluster 2 producers (38.9%) priority: rural area, with secondary education, women who have above average information about FT consider that FT allows the legal assurance of their own activity and can determine the increase of sales

The identification of some yeast strains from vineyard Iași, Romania

The aim of this study was to isolate and select yeast strains from the indigenous flora of Iasi vineyard. The experiment study included 4 local grape varieties: Busuioacă de Bohotin, Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră and Fetească Neagră (from Collection of grape varieties) from viticultural center Copou. The experiment was carried out using randomized block design with three replications. The samples were taken in two different phenophases: bunch compaction and ripeness stage. As source of isolation was used the washing water from bunches and grapes. The yeast strains isolation and obtaining of the pure cultures was completed by successive replications using sowing on solid nutrient media technique. Therefore, 15 yeast strains were selected and morphological analyzed by colony shape, profile, structure and color