Ex Situ Conservation of Rare Medicinal Plants in the Botanical Garden (Institute) of Academy of Sciences of Moldova

This work refers to the native species of genus Astragalus L. (A. dasyanthus, A. ponticus), Adonis L. (A. vernalis, A. wolgensis) and Digitalis L. (D. lanata, D. grandiflora). The plants are cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Moldova in the field collection of the medicinal and aromatic plants. Investigation includes propagation aspects, research into cultivation techniques and conservation measures. The biological particularities and the phenologic rhythm are also registered. The obtained data shows the ecological flexibility of species and the possibility of preserving them in culture.

Xanthium Italicum – Anatomy And Histology Data

The species of the genus Xanthium L. raise a number of taxonomic problems, and in some cases their identification is difficult and involves to a great extent the features of the fruit. The identification of some additional criteria, such as anatomical and histological features of the vegetative organs, would be highly beneficial. In this context, the current paper analyses the species Xanthium italicum Moretti, one of the six species of the genus Xanthium, recognised as being present in Romania. The paper highlights few anatomo-histological features of the above-ground vegetative organs, which should subsequently be evaluated in other species of the genus Xanthium, with the purpose of identifying those structural criteria, which could contribute to the identification of the species. The paper also completes with new data and original pictures the limited information available in the literature as regards the anatomy of the above-ground vegetative organs of the species Xanthium italicum.

Ascomycota Macrofungi New to Romania

The paper gives a new contribution to the knowledge of Ascomycota macrofungi from Romania. The paper presents three Ascomycota species, Peziza phyllogena Cooke, Scutellinia superba (Velen.) Le Gal and Peroneutypa scoparia (Schwein.) Carmaran & A.I. Romero, reported for the first time in Romania. The species were uncovered and identified during a larger research regarding the diversity and distribution of macrofungi in the areas near Bucharest, Romania. Macro- and micro morphological descriptions, comments and illustrations of the species are presented.

Preliminary Data on Alien Flora from Oltenia – Romania

This paper presents the list of alien plant species from Oltenia (Romania). For each taxon we mentioned and analysed the life form, the invasive status and the residence time. The collected and presented data highlight the expansion of the area of some alien species not mentioned previously in this part of the country and also the presence of a new subspontaneous species in the vascular flora of Romania, namely Lagurus ovatus.

A new Contribution on the Vascular Flora of Romania

As a result of our field floristic studies in the recent years (2012 and 2013), we recorded some new data on the occurrence and chorology of three vascular plant species in Romania. Two of these are alien plants, invasive in many geographic regions of the world, namely: Acroptilon repens (an Asian species, reported as a newcomer in the flora of Romania, in this paper), and Picris echioides (a Mediterranean species, which is reported now in new localities). The third species, Pedicularis sylvatica, is a quite rare indigenous plant, critically threatened in Romania, reported here for the first time in the flora of Moldavia (eastern Romania).

The influence of a Copper-Containing Funcicide on the Gametophyte of Some Non-Target Pteridophyte Species

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a fungicide with 20% metallic copper content on spore germination and gametophyte development in two non-target pteridophyte species: Asplenium scolopendrium and Athyrium filix-femina. The experimental variants were: V1 - 0.1% fungicide in Knop solution, V2 - 0.5% fungicide in Knop solution, V3 - 0.7% fungicide in Knop solution, and the Control variant (C) - Knop solution. The fungicide used affected spore germination in all the tested variants. The lowest germination percentages were registered in the species Asplenium scolopendrium: V1 - 69.33%, V2 - 65.66%, V3 - 51.33%. In terms of gametophyte differentiation, the experiments led to delays in developmental stages, absence of rhizoids and necrosis of prothallic cells. The results of the study can be used to assess the impact of the fungicide on the ecosystems in which it is applied, ecosystems where pteridophytes are also present or ecosystems adjacent to them.

Plopul Salt Marshes (Tulcea County) – An Unique Area for Halophytes in Romania

The Plopul salt marshes, Tulcea County, developed within the perimeter of Lake Beibugeac, have been identified as having a high concentration of halophytes on a relatively small area of about 100 ha. These have formed vegetal communities that fit within two types of Natura 2000 habitats: 1310 Communities of Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand and 1530* Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes. Four of the 57 species recorded are rare at national level: Halocnemum strobilaceum, Limonium bellidifollium subsp. danubiale, Limonium meyeri and Salicornia prostrata. The area currently has a SPA (Special Protection Area) status, but the unique concentration of halophytes, the presence of Natura 2000 habitats and of rare species, also recommend the area for designation as a SCI (Sites of Community Interest).