From Seed to Seedling: Influence of Seed Geographic Provenance and Germination Treatments on Reproductive Material Represented by Seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia

[EN] The influence of the geographical origin of eight Romanian provenances of Robinia pseudoacacia on the characteristics of seeds, germination, and growth of seedlings in young stages of life was analyzed. Four experiments were undertaken to test seed germination (thermal treatment at distinct temperatures, mechanical scarification, acetone 90%, and biostimulator). The germination percentage showed that scarification treatment provided the best results among all treatments (41.7%). Seeds soaked in water at 100 C provided the second-highest germination rate. Furthermore, the same two treatments also assured the highest values for the seedlings¿ length. There were registered significant differences among the provenances for the analyzed characteristics, the seed germination capacity, and the growth rate of the seedlings in the first years of life. The study highlighted the resources that could ensure good quality of the reproductive forest material, which can be used in new afforestation and breeding programs. Pearson correlations and multivariate analysis provided interesting and useful information about R. pseudoacacia provenances and 13 characteristics of the seeds and seedlings, highlighting the relationship among them. The results could be of interest for the efficient use of forest genetic resources and the obtention of quality reproductive material in black locust.This research was funded by University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca (UASVM), grant number 26011/16.12.2020. The research was partly sustained by the Doctoral School from the UASVM during the Ph.D. study stage granted to A.M.R.Roman, AM.; Truta, AM.; Morar, IM.; Viman, O.; Dan, C.; Sestras, AF.; Holonec, L.... (2022). From Seed to Seedling: Influence of Seed Geographic Provenance and Germination Treatments on Reproductive Material Represented by Seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia. Sustainability. 14(9):1-19. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1409565411914

Antioxidant Capacity of Several Romanian Forest Fruits (Rosa canina L., Prunus spinosa L., Vaccium vitis-idaea L. and Cornus mas L.)

The comparison of the antioxidant activity of the studied forest fruits emphasized a hierarchy of the antioxidant capacity in rosehip, blackthorn, lingonberry and cornelian cherry. The purpose of the study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of rosehip, blackthorn, lingonberry and cornelian cherry. In the current study, the FT-IR spectroscopy technique was applied to detect molecular components in forest fruits samples. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated with photochemical assay as well as humidity, protein, fibre, lipid and carbohydrate content. The FT-IR results revealed the presence of different bio-active compounds in berries such as flavonoids, tannins, sugars, acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, citric metabolites and others. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in rosehip 105.67±1.38 and blackthorn 49.89±1.92 (μg/mg equivalent ascorbic acid). Regarding nutritional parameters, rosehip showed the most increased content of protein displaying average values of 1.60, carbohydrates 38.20 and fibre 24.10 (g/100 g/sample). These results can provide useful information providing a research interest for the identification of new molecular compounds from Romanian flora samples

Highly informative SSR genotyping reveals large genetic diversity and limited differentiation in European larch (Larix decidua) populations from Romania

[EN] European larch (Larix decidua) is naturally distributed at high elevations in Central Europe. Romanian populations of L. decidua are scattered in different areas of the country. In this study, we used 12 highly informative genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for genotyping seven populations from different areas of Romania. The SSR markers were highly variable, with up to 11 alleles per SSR locus and an average polymorphic information content of 0.713. High values of observed (Ho = 0.542) and expected (He = 0.738) heterozygosities were observed. Cluster analysis of populations did not group them according to geographical distance, but some clusters contained populations from a similar altitudinal range. The partition of genetic variation revealed that two-thirds of the genetic variation was found within individuals (due to high Ho levels), while only one-sixth of the total genetic variation corresponded to variation among populations. A population structure analysis identified four genetic clusters, and in most cases individuals from a single population were assigned to several genetic clusters. Multivariate principal coordinates analysis confirmed the population structure analysis. SSR markers are a powerful tool for evaluating diversity, relationships, and the genetic structure of Romanian L. decidua populations, which have high levels of diversity and low genetic structurationPietro Gramazio is grateful to Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for a predoctoral contract (Programa FPI de la UPV-Subprograma 1/2013 call). Ioana M Plesa is grateful to the Doctoral School of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca and ICHAT - Institute of Advanced Horticulture Research of Transylvania, and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, for their support. Mariola Plazas is grateful to Spanish Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad for a post doctoral grant within the Juan de la Cierva programme (FCJI-2015-24835).Gramazio, P.; Plesa, IM.; Truta, AM.; Sestras, AF.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Vicente, O.... (2018). Highly informative SSR genotyping reveals large genetic diversity and limited differentiation in European larch (Larix decidua) populations from Romania. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. 42(3):165-175. https://doi.org/10.3906/tar-1801-41S16517542

MODERN TECHOLOGIES OF IRRIGATION OF SPRUCE (PICEA ABIES) CULTURES FROM SOLARIUMS

Irrigation water quality is the most critical factor in tree nursery management. The present paper has as object of study modern technologies of irrigation of spruce cultures (Picea abies) from the solariums. The aim of the paper was determining the height of irrigated seedlings with plain water compared with those irrigated with energized water and implicitly,  any differences regarding their vigor of growth. After statistical data processing, it was found that irrigated seedlings with energized water have superior values for main measured parameters. After a vegetation season, the height mean of irrigated seedlings with energized water is of 14,48 cm in a year, while irrigated seedlings with plain water registered an mean height value of 9,6 cm. Following these measurements, it is recommended to irrigate spruce cultures with energized water because the values obtained through this method are clearly superior to the one in which plain water is used. By using this method of irrigation, it is possible to obtain seedlings with larger dimensions and, implicitly, a much better result of repication and of their subsequent development. Another advantage would be the fact that these seedlings irrigated with energized water have a superior state of health compared to the others, due to lack of harmful substances (carbon dioxide, nitrites, residual chlorine) from the water used for irrigation

Responses of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) seedlings from different geographical locations to low temperature stress

Climate change has exacerbated difficulties for both the environment and humans in recent years, with major consequences on the resilience and ecological diversity of forests, including those of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Because cold stress is an important challenge to silver fir seedling growth, particularly in the early phases of development, the goal of this study was to find potential genetic resources with appropriate responses to the action of low temperatures. Thus, traits of interest were studied in the early stage of seedlings from seven different Romanian provenances. Soil electrical conductivity, root weight, and total seedling weight were found to be related to seedling growth and biomass elements. The results revealed substantial differences depending on geographical origin. Garda Seaca provenance had the highest seedlings tolerance. Exposure to varying low temperatures revealed minor variations between seedlings from the control and those treated to −20 °C, which might be explained by the current temperatures in Romania’s silver fir producing area. However, exposing to −40 °C all seedlings showed deterioration. Soil electroconductivity reduced as exposure temperature decreased, emphasizing the link between cold stress and soil effects on fir seedling growth. Some Romanian provenances could be useful for future silver fir breeding or afforestation and reforestation operations

Evaluation of Different Geographic Provenances of Silver Fir (<i>Abies alba</i>) as Seed Sources, Based on Seed Traits and Germination

The evaluation of the diversity of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations and the reproductive traits of the trees are of great importance for the conservation of genetic resources and forest management. Therefore, important reproductive characteristics of A. alba from seven Romanian provenances, considered as different geographical populations, were evaluated. Significant differences between the provenances were observed for the female cones, seed morphology, and germination. Due to the relatively low germination of silver fir seeds, germination tests were conducted to identify treatments that can stimulate the germination capacity. Thus, the seed germination capacity was determined using four different stimulation treatments and the data were compared with those of untreated seeds, designed as the control. Considerable differences were recorded not only depending on the seed provenances, but also regarding the treatments applied to stimulate germination (Atonik biostimulator, scarification, acetone, H2SO4). The biostimulator seed treatment gave the highest germination percentage, while sulfuric acid caused the lowest germination. The research also revealed that not all the forest seed sources provide high-quality reproductive material. Furthermore, for some of the seed resources, even the germination stimulation treatments did not result in adequate germination. The findings are pertinent and valuable for identifying suitable forest populations as seed sources, as well as for their use in silver fir reforestation programs

Seed Germination within Genus <i>Rosa</i>: The Complexity of the Process and Influencing Factors

Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants, and understanding the factors influencing germination is essential for successful cultivation, plant breeding, and conservation efforts. The genus Rosa, commonly known as roses, encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants renowned for their beauty and fragrance. Rosa germination is influenced by a variety of factors, including seed dormancy, environmental conditions, and seed treatments. Many Rosa species exhibit different types of seed dormancy, such as physical dormancy caused by hard seed coats and physiological dormancy due to internal mechanisms. Overcoming seed dormancy often requires specific treatments, including cold stratification, scarification, or chemical treatments, to promote germination. Environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, light, and substrate, play vital roles in Rosa germination. Temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C, moisture, and exposure to light or darkness, depending on the species, constitute suitable conditions for seed germination. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the germination requirements of different Rosa species, thereby expanding our understanding of their propagation and conservation. Additionally, advancements in techniques such as in vitro germination and molecular approaches have further enhanced our understanding of Rosa germination biology

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of <i>Robinia pseudoacacia</i> Depending on the Origin of Different Geographic Provenances

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is recognised as a forest species of interest due to its multiple uses. The management of forest genetic resources and their efficient conservation suffer from variations in traits and start with seed germination. The aim of the current study was to investigate the germination of seeds obtained from plus trees selected in eight Romanian provenances, as well as to investigate the influence of the origin upon plants’ growth and development. Two experiments were undertaken to test seed germination: one treatment involved water-soaked seeds and heat/cold treatment, while the other treatment was based on sulphuric acid, at different concentrations (50, 70, 90%). The results were correlated with the morphological analysis of the seeds. Satu-Mare had the lowest germination rate within both treatments. Sulphuric acid did not improve seed germination as much as the heat treatment. The highest germination rate occurred for the water and temperature treatment on seeds from Bihor provenance (68.2%). The most distant provenance was Bihor, in inverse correlation with Bistrița Năsăud and grouped separately within the hierarchical dendrogram of cluster analysis based on the analysed parameters of the provenances investigated. The results demonstrated that the genotypes and environmental heterogeneity of the seed origin within the provenances may finally result in different performances

The Influence of Physical Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.)

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of an electric field and gamma radiation upon the germination of spruce seeds. In order to carry out the research, spruce seeds from different provenances have been subjected to different treatments: electric field (EF) with 10 V, 30 V, and 50 V voltages and intensity of E = 266V/m, exposure time of 15 and 35 min, and gamma (G) radiation with several treatments (1 Gy-31 min, 1.5 Gy-46 min, 2 Gy-62 min, and 6 Gy-186 min). Under the influence of EF, the best results upon seed germination (80.83%) were recorded when seeds were treated with 30 V for 15 min, for all provenances investigated. Regarding gamma radiation, the highest germination percentage (87.50%) was achieved in T5G when seeds were subjected to 6 Gy for 186 min. It was also considered the interaction between seeds origin and the different EF and G treatments applied to the seeds to induce germination and further seedlings&rsquo; development. The results obtained after seeds were exposed to gamma radiation came out on top compared to electric field treatments, both for the germination and seedlings&rsquo; height