The main mycotoxin found in apples is patulin (PAT), mostly produced by Penicillium expansum, during the storage of fruits. It is very difficult to control the quality of every fruit that enters the processing line, so there is a high probability that apple juice, applesauce, apple cider, even products intended for babies, contain moldy fruits, with PAT content. This review paper provides detailed information about the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect PAT prevalence in apples. Extrinsic factors, such as temperature, air composition in the storage room or packaging material, play a key role in infection with P. expansum and PAT accumulation. Lower temperatures often prevent fungal growth and the production of the mycotoxin, whereas higher or unstable temperatures can promote the buildup of the toxin in infected fruits. Controlled atmosphere storage appears to inhibit the accumulation of PAT in apples. In terms of internal composition, variations in the pH of the fruits and flesh firmness significantly impact fungal growth and PAT production in the fruits. The presence of ethylene, sucrose and polyphenols are some of the decisive chemical components that regulate PAT buildup. Susceptibility of different cultivars is also genetically driven, but the size of the decay area and the toxin-producing capacity of the fungal strain have noteworthy influence as well. Knowledge of these elements helps to understand the mechanisms of PAT production.

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is one of the most valuable horticultural crops worldwide, due to its significant economic and nutritional contribution. This paper analyzes the importance of strawberry cultivation in the European Union and Romania, by evaluating the cultivated area, production, geographical distribution and socio-economic impact. The study combines statistical analysis of official data (Eurostat, 2023; INS, 2023) with a review of the specialized literature (Anttonen et al., 2006; Voca et al., 2008; Maltoni et al., 2009), targeting both the productive dimension and the quality of the fruit and technological adaptation. The results show that the main producing countries in the EU are Poland, Spain, Italy and Germany, due to favorable climatic conditions and the use of modern cultivation technologies. In Romania, strawberry cultivation occupies an area of ​​about 6,000 ha, concentrated in the counties of Argeș, Prahova and Dâmbovița, with a production of approximately 20,000 tons annually (Eurostat, 2022; INS, 2023). The average production, of 6,795 kg/ha, is below the European average, being influenced by pedoclimatic factors, lack of investment and deficient agricultural infrastructure. The SWOT analysis highlighted strengths such as the diversity of varieties, local tradition and pedoclimatic potential, but also limitations related to climate volatility and the high costs of modern technologies. The conclusions highlight the need to adopt sustainable practices, modernize production infrastructure and strengthen short supply chains. Strawberry cultivation can become a strategic vector of rural economic development, with long-term benefits for the Romanian agricultural economy.

The commune of Giarmata (Timiș County), located on the last branches of the Vinga Plain and in the Bega River basin, presents a pedological mosaic dominated by vertic chernozems, vertosols and gleiosols with tendencies of gleyization/salinization in depth, along with alluviosols and eutricambosols on smaller areas. The temperate-continental climate with sub-Mediterranean influences (precipitation of 600–650 mm/year; sunshine duration of 2,200–2,300 hours/year; hot summers and relatively mild winters) confers a notable agricultural potential for strawberry cultivation, a species with moderate heat requirements, sensitive to excess water, salts and compaction. In the paper, the properties of local soils (fine texture, shrinkage/swelling, poor internal drainage, high local water table, risks of salinity/alkalinity) were correlated with the requirements of strawberry cultivation and technological recommendations were made: land modeling (raised beds), drainage and mulching, drip irrigation with EC monitoring, chemical corrections (gypsum on alkaline soils), organic matter supply and early cold rain protection systems. Under favorable pedo-climatic conditions (well-drained chernozem/eutricambosol, pH 5.5–6.5, EC<1 dS/m), the production potential in open field is 15–25 t/ha, and in intensive system with foil/solariums 25–40 t/ha, with fruit qualities (TSS, firmness) competitive for the local market. The integration of water conservation practices and salinity control is essential in years with irregular rainfall and episodes of drought/excessive rain. In conclusion, the soils of Giarmata are suitable for strawberry on surfaces not affected by excess humidity/salinity, provided that a rigorous pedo-hydric management and a technology adapted to local soil types are implemented

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are widely cultivated due to their storability, adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, versatility, and affordability. In addition to these agronomic advantages, apples are a significant dietary source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, a major class of phytochemicals with several beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of peel and flesh of eighteen traditional old apple cultivars from the Banat region of Romania, evaluate their antioxidant activity, and characterize the colour parameters and individual phenolic profiles of two selected cultivars. The results showed considerable variation among cultivars, with ‘Caslere’ and ‘Măr de Jupani’ exhibiting the highest contents of bioactive compounds. Across the 18 cultivars, phenolic contents ranged from 218.17–1497.35 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry matter (DM) in the peel and 323.54–1111.65 µg GAE/g DM in the flesh, while flavonoid contents ranged from 1157.43–4796.05 and 1426.01–3697.16 µg rutin equivalents (RE)/g DM, respectively. Antioxidant activity ranged from 33.55–99.51% in the peel and 44.41–88.88% in the flesh, highlighting pronounced tissue-specific differences in bioactive compound distribution. Positive correlation was found between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed cultivar-specific phenolic profiles, with rosmarinic acid and resveratrol among the predominant compounds, while epicatechin was particularly abundant in the peel of ‘Caslere’ cultivar. Colour analysis further demonstrated distinct differences between the two cultivars, reflecting variation in peel pigmentation and biochemical composition. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional value of traditional apple cultivars and support their conservation and valorization as valuable genetic resources and sources of health-promoting phytochemicals.