New Genotypes of Sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) Acclimatized and Bred at Buzau

In Romania, during the 1980s, this species was studied in addition to other sweetener plants, such as Jerusalem artichoke, sweet sorghum, sweet iris, etc. After 1996, the researches were restarted intensively at Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau by the Breeding and Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory. A valuable germplasm collection has been made for this species and the new genotypes will be proposed for approval

New Variety of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Grossum) Obtained at V.R.D.S. Buzău

Obtaining new varieties of sweet peppers has been a major and permanent concern at V.R.D.S. Buzau. Autochthonous assortment in this species is relatively small compared to other species which led to the crop extension of foreign varieties that are commercialized at high prices without the expected results. Researches carried out during the period 1996-2017 aimed to contribute at the enrichment and diversification of autochthonous germplasm collection and also allowed introducing new valuable cultivars according to the market requirements nowadays

New Genotypes of Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea), Bred and Acclimatized at Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau

Since 1996, Brassica juncea has been studied in the Breeding Laboratory of Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau. The aim of this study was to obtain genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressivity, suitable to be grown in protected spaces and field, adapted to the pedoclimatic conditions of our country. The genetic potential of the germplasm collection was evaluated and the seven obtained families were measured biometrically and phenologically. G1 has been registered since 2017 at The State Institute for Testing and Registration of Varieties Bucharest for approval under the temporary name ‘Aroma’

New Hybrids of Eggplants (Solanum melongena) Created at Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau

At present, the Romanian market is dominated by foreign eggplant cultivars, the most widely used being the ‘Aragon’ and ‘Mirval’ hybrids. Taking into acount this major deficiency in this Solanum species regarding the autochthonous genotypes since 1996, Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau Breeding Laboratory started an intensive breeding program for eggplants, finalised until now with the establishment of a valuable germplasm collection consisting of 208 genotypes structured by their genetic stability

Research on the acclimatization and breeding of Sideritis hyssopifolia L. in Romania

Sideritis hyssopifolia L., perennial plant of the genus Sideritis, is also known as hyssop-leaved mountain ironwort. In its area of origin in northwestern Europe, it is valued as an aromatic and medicinal plant and used in the prevention and treatment of digestive ailments. It has been studied at Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buzău since 2019, being the subject of intensive acclimatization and improvement works with the purpose of obtaining new creations with distinct genotypic and biochemical characteristics. The genetic material used was from the centers of origin: Spain, Portugal, Madeira and Canary Islands, and the breeding methods were repeated individual selection followed by negative mass selection. In order to prevent the biological contamination of genotypes with foreign pollen, insulators with textile material were used. Cultivar G5, superior in terms of acclimation and genetic stability, also exhibited distinct phenotypic expressivity. At the same time, specific culture technology was developed with the aim of promoting it among farmers