The influence of rootstock on the growth and fruiting of three sweet cherry cultivars (‘Bigarreau Burlat’, ‘Kordia’, ‘Regina’) was studied under the pedoclimatic conditions of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in 2014-2016. The trees were grafted on Gisela 5 rootstock, trained as Zahn Spindle and the orchard had a density of 1666 trees/ha. Root were cut twice, at 50 cm distance from the trunk, in an angle of 45° and 30 cm depth, as followed: first time, to the autumn, in fall leaves time, on one side of the row and the second time, in spring, at blooming time, at the other side of the row. The rootstocks influenced height of the trees, the shoot growth, the number of long and fruiting branches, trunk cross sectional area yield and precocity, with differences statistically assured. The longest shoots, in mean values, gave the variant with cultivars grafted on Mahaleb rootstock (111.7 cm). ‘Gisela 5’ rootstock decreases the average length of annual growth (93.3 cm). Trees grafted on Mahaleb formed more long fruiting branches and fewer short fruiting branches than those grafted on ‘Gisela 5’. The biggest average trunks cross sectional area were obtained for the cultivars grafted on Mahaleb (62.1 cm2). Also rootstocks influenced the height of the trees. The cumulative yield was almost double in variants where the trees were grafted on ‘Gisela 5’ (23.2kg/tree), compared to the variants where the trees were grafted on Mahaleb (13.1 kg/tree).

An outdoor experiment was performed for six months to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers obtained from marine residual materials on strawberry plants. Three types of organic fertilizers were used, i.e., cod (Gadus morhua) bone powder, common ling (Molva molva) bone powder, and pellets obtained by mixing small cod bone powder and rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) residues. A tabletop system for strawberry cultivation was designed, in which two bare-root strawberry plants of cultivar ‘Albion’ were planted in a peat substrate in each pot. Five treatments were applied, i.e., cod bone powder (F1), common ling bone powder (F2), small cod bone powder and rockweed residue pellets (FA), chemical fertilizer (E), and a control (C). The number of leaves and their nutrient content, fruit yield and quality characteristics of the strawberries grown using the organic fertilizers were similar or better than those corresponding to treatments E and C. Organic fertilizers derived from the residues of fish and macroalgae could be a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers in strawberry production.

Goji berries, long valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Asian cuisine for their wide range of medicinal benefits, are now considered a ‘superfruit’ and functional food worldwide. Because of growing demand, Europe and North America are increasing their goji berry production, using goji berry varieties that are not originally from these regions. European breeding programs are focusing on producing Lycium varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands. By 2023, seven varieties of goji berries were successfully registered in Romania, developed using germplasm that originated from sources outside the country. A broader project focused on goji berry breeding was initiated in 2014 at USAMV Bucharest. In the present research, five cultivated and three wild L. barbarum genotypes were compared to analyse genetic variation at the whole genome level. In addition, a case study presents the differences in the genomic coding sequences of BODYGUARD (BDG) 3 and 4 genes from chromosomes 4, 8, and 9, which are involved in cuticle-related resistance. All three BDG genes show distinctive differences between the cultivated and wild-type genotypes at the SNP level. In the BDG 4 gene located on chromosome 8, 69% of SNPs differentiate the wild from the cultivated genotypes, while in BDG 3 on chromosome 4, 64% of SNPs could tell the difference between the wild and cultivated goji berry. The research also uncovered significant SNP and InDel differences between cultivated and wild genotypes, in the entire genome, providing crucial insights for goji berry breeders to support the development of goji berry cultivation in Romania.

In relation cultivar / rootstock at sweet cherry, delayed incompatibility phenomena can be highlighted by distorted evolution of metabolic processes. For researches undertaken, in order to evaluate the potential for synthesis of different cultivars of cherry grafted on some rootstocks, it were chosen two moments, namely stage fruit ripening (late May) and the second growth stage of the vegetation season (mid-July) when the trees are fruitless. Measurements were performed using portable device LCpro + and assimilating pigments were determined by Arnon spectrophotometric method using the CECIL CE 1011 device. Determinations of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and respiration were made on shoots leaves, rosettes leaves with and without fruits. Leaf area and the amount of total chlorophyll were lower in trees with symptoms of incompatibility in Royal Mill plantation. Compatibility and harmonious evolution in time of the trees is dependent by the physiological processes synchronization between the two partners, the intensity of substances translocation by joint zone, in a simple way by the new individual metabolism seen from the perspective of both partners.

Currently, the blueberry crop systems are continuous diversifing due to the growing demand for fruit on the market as well as the willingness of farmers to invest in profitable blueberries business. The need to extend the fresh-consumption period of blueberry fruits has made crop protection systems be considered appropriate for high-quality and valuable fruits. In the present work, we have proposed to compare the economic efficiency of three blueberry production systems as follows: the normal intensive cultural system in beds, the superintensive cultural system in pots and the superintensive cultural system in pots and plastic covered (high tunnel). The analyze of the cost and profitability of blueberry has been done according to the crop system, taking into consideration several elements such as: the number of plants per hectare, the total duration of the exploitation, the value of the investment, the yield and the cost of production etc. Further more, considering the average sale price of the blueberry fruits in Romania, we have calculated the net annual return, the annual return rate, the cost recovery period, total operating profit, economic return on investment, and average return on investment. We observed that as much the degree of intensification has increased, the value of investment was higher and the spendings has increased too. Blueberry pot production systems with or without plastic protection are especially recommended for smaller surfaces, which in this way can boost the value and their economic potential.

The paper examines the bioclimatic contribution of urban gardening through the use of aromatic and medicinal plants, proposing an innovative approach to urban design. The research aims to evaluate the role of these plants in improving the urban microclimate, focusing on their ability to reduce temperature, increase relative humidity, and contribute to the creation of a synergistic ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects. The methodology involved experimental research at eight sites in Thessaloniki, where temperature, humidity, and solar radiation were recorded. At the sites with aromatic and medicinal plants, a temperature reduction of 10-15% was observed compared to the non-planted areas. Significant improvement was recorded in areas simulating balconies, where potted plants led to a temperature reduction of 5-10%. Furthermore, areas with dense vegetation and water features showed greater humidity, while air circulation was limited, creating adverse thermal comfort conditions. In locations with small arrangements of aromatic plants, a reduction in discomfort perception of up to 26% was observed. The study highlights the innovative potential of integrating aromatic and medicinal plants into urban design for improving the microclimate. Replacing grass in public spaces and using these plants on vertical and horizontal surfaces can improve thermal comfort, aesthetic value, and attract beneficial insects, such as bees.