¹ Niger State College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 109, Mokwa – Nigeria
² National Cereals Research Institute, Castor Research Programme, P.M.B. 8, Badeggi – Nigeria


Abstract: Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) is one of highly treasured industrial oil crop around the world. In the present study, genetic variability and trait relationships in some castor genotypes were examined to generate information for castor breeding purposes in Nigeria. Ten castor genotypes were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at the Research Farm of Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Nigeria. The analysis of variance results showed significant differences among the germplasm for all the traits studied, except leaf petiole length. The seed yield (kg/ha) ranged between 411.11 kg/ha and 1140.00 kg/ha with average of 852.19 kg/ha. High (> 20%) genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed for days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant, number of effective racemes per plant, effective raceme length, number of capsules per raceme and height at maturity. Positive and significant genotypic correlations were found between the seed yield, and number of effective racemes per plant (0.501**), effective raceme length (0.402**), number of capsules per raceme (0.361**) and 100 seed weight (0.560**). Positive direct effects on the seed yield were observed for nine out of thirteen traits studied. The cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two main clusters with 4 and 6 cluster members. Based on these findings, it is showed that there is adequate genetic variability in the castor genotypes evaluated. The findings on the trait relationships revealed the raceme characters as important traits for indirect selection for increase in seed yield of castor.

Key words: castor, correlation, path coefficient, trait relationships, variability.

¹ Bio-Medicinal Research Centre, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B 5054, Jericho hills, Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigeria

Abstract: Leea guineensis G. Don leaves are known to contain some active compounds that certify its usage as a medicinal plant. The establishment of a comprehensive pharmacognostic profile of L. guineensis leaves will help in the standardization of quality and proper identification. Evaluation of the fresh and powdered leaves was carried out using standard methods to determine the macro-morphological, micro-morphological (both the qualitative and quantitative), chemo-microscopic and phytochemical profiles. The result obtained shows that macroscopically, the leaf was simple, opposite and entire in shape, having a cylindrical and undulating edge with a hard and smooth texture. The internodes are short with a spot of pink colour at the interval nodes (nodules). It has a simple trunk without thorns with a granular fracture surface. The colour is pale green when young and deep green at maturity. Microscopically, the stomata were paracytic on the abaxial and absent on the adaxial. The epidermal cells are irregular and rectangular, the epidermis possesses straight anticlinal walls and is slightly undulating both on the abaxial and adaxial epidermis. Trichomes are not present on both epidermises, while crystals are present on the abaxial epidermis. The stomata index (18.87%) was calculated for abaxial, the mean cell length (43.46 and 43.89) and width (30.50 and 31.61) was comparably similar for both abaxial and adaxial epidermis respectively. The number of stomata detected on the abaxial was 20. Chemo-microscopic characters present include Starch, Calcium carbonate crystals while lignin, fat, and mucilage were absent while phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloid, saponin, flavonoids, tannin, phenolics and anthraquinone were present. The foliar micro-morphological findings are of great importance in the proper and correct identification, standardization, and authentication of medicinal plants.

Key words: chemo-microscopic, Leea guineensis, macroscopic, micromorphology, pharmacognostic.

¹ Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, P.M.B. 65, Minna – Nigeria
² Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Technology, Minna, P.M.B. 65, Minna – Nigeria
³ International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan Station – Nigeria
⁴ Department of Agronomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – Nigeria

Abstract: In a bid to evaluate the effectiveness of two Brazilian rhizobial strains in improving nitrogen fixation and productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria, field trials were conducted in 2016 and 2017. Four rhizobial inoculation levels (control, inoculation with BR 3262, BR 3267 and application of 90 Kg N ha^-1) and three varieties (IT93K-452-1, IT99K-573-1-1 and TVx 3236) were arranged in randomized complete block design. Inoculation with BR 3267 significantly increased nodule number by 27% over the control in 2017 and there was significant variation in the response of the varieties to inoculation in the two years in respect of nodule weight. Plants fertilized with 90 Kg N ha^-1 consistently had the least number of nodules, weight and percentage of effective nodules in the two years. N-uptake and shoot biomass yield was however significantly higher in the N-fertilized and uninoculated plants than plants inoculated with the BR strains. Plants inoculated with both strains fixed significantly lower nitrogen than the uninoculated plants. However, the inoculated plants partitioned greater nitrogen to their seeds having significantly higher % protein in their seeds than the uninoculated plants. Plants fertilized with 90 kg Nha^-1 had the highest grain yield (1761.2 kg ha-1) which was at par with the value recorded in the uninoculated plants (1479.60 Kg ha^-1) but significantly higher than the values recorded in the inoculated plants (1320.1-1338.0 Kg N ha^-1). It could therefore be concluded that the BR strains tested in this study are not more effective than the indigenous strain in improving N-fixation and productivity of cowpea in the study area.

Key words: BR strains, nodulation, n-fixation, biomass yield, grain yield.

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State – Nigeria
² Department of Crop Production, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State – Nigeria
³ Department of Biological Sciences Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto – Nigeria
⁴ Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State – Nigeria

Abstract: Effects of plants extract powders is the application of these extracts is to improved and increase the germination, emergence of the seedlings. Efficacy of Gmelina arborea bark and Azadirachta indica leaf powders on the germination and seedling vigour of Corchorus olitorius (jute mallow) was evaluated. Top loam soil was collected from Agriculture Research farmland of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria and sterilized at 50 °C for an hour. Gmelina arborea bark and Azadirachta indica leaf were obtained from Gmelina arborea and Azadirachta indica leaves were also collected from the farmland and pulverized into powder form. Two kilograms (2 kg) of sterile soil samples in twenty one (21) polythene bags were amended with Gmelina arborea bark powder and Azadirachta indica leaf powders at different concentrations (100 g, 150 g, and 200 g) each in triplicates. Soil samples contained in three of the polyethylene bags were left un-amended to serve as control. Corchorus olitorius seeds was procured from the harvested farmland and were planted and raised in each polythene bag for a period of twelve (12) weeks. Azadirachta indica leaf powder had a significant impact on the growth of Corchorus olitorius (shoot length = 26.52 cm; root collar diameter = 0.33 cm, number of leaves = 21) at p < 0.05 compared to the control group (20.60 cm, 0.24 cm and 16 respectively) and its effects improved with increase in concentration. Gmelina arborea bark powder also had a less significant impact on the plant growth parameters (6.45 cm, 0.14 cm and 9 respectively) compared to the control. Its effect decreased with increase in concentration. Azadirachta indica leaf powder is a much better and more effective organic amendment than Gmelina arborea bark powder and could be employed by Corchorus olitorius farmers to improve soil fertility and crop yield.

Key words: Azadirachta indica, Corchorus olitorius, germination, Gmelina arborea, seedling vigour.

SEED GERMINATION, SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT AND REINTRODUCTION INTO THE WILD OF THE HEMIPARASITIC MEDICINAL PLANT MONOCHASMA SAVATIERI
Yulu CHEN^1,2, Menghan ZHANG^1,2, Jaime A. TEIXEIRA DA SILVA³, Guohua MA¹

¹ Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650 – China
² University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing – China
³ P. O. Box 7, Miki-cho post office, Ikenobe 3011-2, Kagawa-ken, 761-0799 – Japan

Abstract: The ecology, seed germination, seedling establishment, and reintroduction of Monochasma savatieri Franch. ex Maxim, a traditional Chinese hemiparasitic medicinal herb, were studied by focusing on the distribution, climate, soil type, flowering and seed production, co-occurring vegetation, and pollinators. The distribution range of M. savatieri lies between 25°03'-29°12' N to 113°39'-120°27' E, based on our sampling. M. savatieri requires vernalization to induce flowering. Seed germination was enhanced by gibberellic acid at an optimum concentration of 500 µM. Other plant growth regulators, including indole-3-acetic acid and 6-benzyladenine, did not enhance seed germination. Low temperature (5 °C) storage was favorable to keep seed viability, which was negatively influenced by increasingly long storage periods. We also examined seedling development and transplantation to the field. Seedlings were interplanted with a moss Hypnum plumaeforme, until they developed true leaves. Developed plants were then transplanted into the wild alongside a host, Gardenia jasminoides, and 23% of the transplanted plants survived after 8 months.

Key words: distribution, host, light, plant growth regulators, seed viability, transplanting, vernalization.

COLLECTION AND DOCUMENTATION OF MELON GERMPLASM IN NIGERIA
Aishatu Adamu GADO¹, Muhammad Liman MUHAMMAD¹, Olamide Ahmed FALUSI¹, Matthew Omoniyi ADEBOLA¹, Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf DAUDU¹, Mohammed Chata DANGANA¹, Sadiq Abdulrahman YAHAYA^{1, 2}

¹ Federal University of Technology, Department of Plant Biology, Minna – Nigeria
² Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research, Jigawa State – Nigeria

Abstract: Members of family Cucurbitaceae are collectively called melon; they are mainly found in the warmer parts of all continents. A germplasm collection was undertaken in Nigeria between April and August, 2015 which corresponded to the periods of harvesting of the crop across major growing regions of the country. Eighteen states including Federal Capital Territory, which are the major growing areas of the crop, were visited. The collections were done in collaboration with Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) extension officers. Fifty five farmers were interviewed and a total of 60 accessions were collected. The accessions collected were identified to species level. All the 60 accessions fall into 5 genera and 7 species; Colocynthis citrullus (45), Cucurbita moschata (3), Cucurbita maxima (3), Lagenaria siceraria (2), Lagenaria sphaerica (2), Cucumeropsis mannii (4) and Cucumis melo (1). All the farmers interviewed preferred cultivation of Colocynthis citrullus due its high oil content, demand and more acceptance by consumers all over the regions. Niger state had highest number (8) of Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus) while Nasarawa and Kogi had same number (5) each. The high number of egusi melon encountered might be due to fact that it is the most cultivated member of Cucurbitaceae in the country. This collection had boasted the baseline information of diversity of family Cucurbitaceae. Also it has generated source of genetic variability for members like Colocynthis citrullus which can be aid in improvement of the crop.

Key words: Cucurbitaceae, Colocynthis, Egusi, Lagenaria, melon.

PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED SOYBEAN GENOTYPES IN NIGERIA
Dickson Junior NWOSU¹, Mayowa Raphael OLUBIYI¹, Sunday Ezekiel ALADELE¹, Benson APUYOR², Anthony Ugochukwu OKERE¹, Adetunji Ismael LAWAL³, Gloria AFOLAYAN¹, Abisoye Oyepero OJO¹, Christopher NWADIKE⁴, Myung-Chul LEE⁵, Edna Chidinma NWOSU⁶

¹ National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), P.M.B. 5382, Moor Plantation, Ibadan – Nigeria
² Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, University of Agriculture Makurdi – Nigeria, National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi – Nigeria
³ Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigeria
⁴ Department of Agricultural Technology, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Federal College of forestry, Jos P.M.B 2019. Jos-Plateau State – Nigeria
⁵ National Agrobiodiversity Center, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea
⁶ Star Kids Christian Life Academy, Port Harcourt – Nigeria

Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Central Services Laboratory of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria to evaluate proximate and mineral composition of eight soybean accessions (NG/MR/11/11/060, NG/SA/07/100, NG/SA/JAN/09/48, NGB00111, NGB00113, NGB00116, NGB01318) conserved in the National Genebank at National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology [NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria and twelve varieties (TGX1019-2EB, TGX1019-2EN, TGX1440-1E, TGX1448-2E, TGX1485-1D, TGX1835-10E, TGX1904-6F, TGX1951-3F, TGX1987-62F, TGX1989-19F, TGX923-2E, TGX1987-10F) developed at National Cereals Research (NCRI) in collaboration with International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the result showed wide significant variations in the proximate and mineral contents. TGX1987-62F recorded the highest dry matter content of 98.34% while TGX 923-2E gave the highest moisture content (6.12%). Highest values for Crude ash (5.02%) and crude fibre (6.12%) were recorded for TGX1951-3F. NGB00116 had the significantly highest protein content of 41.92% and an appreciable oil content of 27.65%. Protein content was also high for TGX1987-10F (41.33%) and NG/MR/11/11/060 (41.31%). TGX1989-19F had the highest oil content of with 30.45% and energy value (496.37Kcal/g). NGB00113 had the highest carbohydrate content of 52.74%. K. Na, Ca, Mg and P were highest in NG/SA/JAN/09/48 (1.99%), NGB00116 (0.57%), TGX1485-1D (1.60%) TGX1951-3F (0.84%) and NGB00113 (0.85%) respectively. The study provides valuable information on soybean genotypes with very high protein and oil content for recommendation to farmers and other end users and for breeders to select and utilize in soybean quality improvement programmes.

Key words: accessions, oil content, protein content, proximate, soybean.

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115, Iasi – Romania
² Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creanga Street, 400010, Cluj-Napoca – Romania
³ Department of Mycrobiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: The present study focuses on the chemical and biological analysis of the ethanolic 70% v/v extracts obtained from Amorpha fruticosa leaves, branches and fruits. The total phenolic content determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method was the highest in leaves extract (159.5 mg/g). The HPLC-MS analysis indicated the presence of ferulic acid, luteolin and rutoside in all three extracts. The antioxidant activity was tested by the DPPH method and the results indicated a good scavenging activity (EC50 = 18.8 ± 0.2 µg/mL) for the fruit extract, followed by leaf extract (EC50 = 38.03 ± 0.75 µg/mL) and branch extract (EC50 = 221.16 ± 1.7 µg/mL). The antimicrobial activity evaluated by agar disc diffusion method indicated the inhibition of growth for Staphylococcus aureus and Sarcina lutea for all samples.

Key words: Amorpha fruticosa L., antimicrobial, antioxidant, polyphenols.

¹ Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Iasi – Romania
² Biologic section, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden, Iasi – Romania
³ Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Tilia tomentosa varieties were analyzed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers to determine genetic diversity. In this study, six samples provided by the Botanical Garden “Anastasie Fatu” of Iasi, Romania were compared to a variety collected from an ecosystem in Giessen, Germany. A total of 91 bands were obtained from nine RAPD primers, 79 (86.8%) of which were polymorphic. Marker data was used for a principal component analysis that showed clear differentiation among Romanian and German samples. Furthermore, Romanian genotypes were clustered together in the principal component analysis. PCA analysis was followed by an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis which revealed two major groups. Samples from the Romanian ecosystem showed high genetic similarity. Generally, samples did not separate from each other in the UPGMA analysis, excepting the German sample.

Key words: DNA, genetic diversity, principal component analysis, silver lime tree, UPGMA cluster analysis.

¹ “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, 7-9 Dumbrava Rosie, 700487, Iasi – Romania
² “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, 20A Carol I, 700505, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Chrysanthemums represent an important horticultural segment with uses in the autumnal to winter season, aesthetically extending the capitalization of urban open spaces. Propagation by cuttings at Chrysanthemum is the most convenient method of vegetative multiplication. There is, however, a great variability in the ability to form adventitious roots and regenerate new individuals by cuttings. Some cultivars are relatively easy to multiply by cuttings, and other species have a low capacity to rooting. In the present paper we focused on researches regarding the propagation of chrysanthemums (a₁ – Chrysathemum indicum, a₂ – Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum) by new type of cuttings (stem fragment with one leaf and axillary bud – SFLAB, b₂) and on the evaluation of the capacity of rooting, given the increasing demand for floral planting material as a result of the development of landscape design interest in public spaces but especially private one. The main objective was to establish the influence of the cuttings characteristics (type of cuttings, with two variants – b₁-control, top stem fragment – TSF; and b₂, stem fragment with one leaf and axillary bud – SFLAB) on the rooting process and the length of developed roots in four variants of rooting substrate (c₁-c₄) for both types of proposed Chrysanthemum cuttings (b₁-b₂).

Key words: Chrysathemum, cuttings, rooting substrate, stem fragment with one leaf and axillary bud – SFLAB, top stem fragment – TSF.

¹ Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa ON – Canada

Abstract: Wheat stripe rust pandemics have been recorded across all cereal growing regions. Lr34 provides an adult plant resistance and flag leaves of many wheat cultivars containing Lr34 develop a necrotic flag leaf tip. We studied cell death process in progressive necrotic and non-necrotic tissues of flag leaves in wheat cultivars Frontana (resistant to stripe rust) and Fielder (highly susceptible to stripe rust). Cleavage of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was detected in necrotic tissues of Frontana flag leaves but not in the non-necrotic tissues or in the corresponding leaf sections in Fielder flag leaves. DNA repairing genes were also studied but their expression was similar in the two different leaf sections for both cultivars. Our work may indicate that protein cleavage is involved in the cell death of flag leaf tips in Frontana.

Key words: cell death, DNA repair, Lr34, necrosis, stripe rust, wheat.

CONSERVATION STATUS AND THREATS TO ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES OF GRIQUALAND WEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
Samuel Oloruntoba BAMIGBOYE¹

¹ Botany Department, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950 – South Africa

Abstract: Endemic species are important to biodiversity of any region they are situated. They are to be protected from over exploitation and population decline. This study evaluated the conservation status and threats to endemic plant species of Griqualand West in South Africa. The SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) Red List data base was used in determining the conservation status and threats to these endemic species. The result of this study showed that all the endemic species of Griqualand West of South Africa are of conservation concern meaning they need to be given attention in terms of conservation. Also human induced threats were discovered in this study. This study thereby recommend that conservation priority should be given to the endemic species of this region that are of conservation concern, and also efforts should be made to control the human induced threats identified in this study.

Key words: biodiversity loss, conservation, extinction risk, species endemism, threats.

¹ University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Faculty of Agriculture, 700487, Iasi – Romania
² University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza”, Botanical Garden “Anastasie Fatu”, 700487, Iasi – Romania
³ Eszterházy Károly University, Leanyka Str., 6-8, Eger, 3300 – Hungary

Abstract: Fritillaria meleagroides, a rare species recently registered in the Romania's vascular flora, has been identified in two other new localities from the north-eastern part of the country. The average density of reproductive individuals of F. meleagroides in the area of Cotu Morii has been estimated at 3.7 individuals per m². The paper reveals the structure and some ecological peculiarities of plant communities in which F. meleagroides grows at Cotu Morii (Iasi county), and Stefanesti (Botosani county). The protection of this species in Romania by declaring a natural reserve at Cotu Morii (Iasi county) is supported in the paper. At Cotu Morii, besides F. meleagroides, other rare and threatened plant species have been identified, including Bulbocodium versicolor, which is reported here for the first time from the Iasi county.

Key words: Jijia and Baseu river basins, Liliaceae, plant communities, population density, salty meadows, vascular flora.

¹ Police of the municipality of Pitesti, Razboieni St., no. 3, Pitesti – Romania
² Association for Private Administered Pensions in Romania, Bucharest Financial Plaza (BFP), Calea Victoriei, no. 15, Bucharest – Romania
³ “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Agronomic Studies and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, no. 3, Iasi – Romania
⁴ University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza”, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden, Dumbrava Rosie St., no. 7-9, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: The authors reports the presence in the Romanian wild flora of the nothospecies Epipactis × schmalhausenii. This taxon of hybrid origin (Epipactis atrorubens × E. helleborine subsp. helleborine) was recently identified, together with the two genitors, on some limestone mountains in the Romanan Eastern Carpathians (Bistritei Mountains; Ceahlau Mountains; Hasmas Mountains), as well as in Southern Carpathians (Bucegi Mountains). Although, this one is relatively widespread in other European countries, even in Kazakhstan (Central Asia), nothosp. Epipactis × schmalhausenii has not been reported in botanical literature of Romania, until now.

Key words: Carpathian Mountains, Epipactis × schmalhausenii, newly identified, Orchidaceae, Romania.

¹ “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute), Chisinau – Republic of Moldova
² “Codii” Reserve, Lozova commune, Straseni district – Republic of Moldova

Abstract: The phytocoenoses of Cirsium canum (L.) All. with Geranium pratense L., occurring on the Central Moldavian Plateau, are described in this article. Based on 26 relevés, the authors propose another association for science – Geranio pratensi-Cirsietum cani ass. nova Pînzaru, Ionita et Jardan of the alliance Filipendulion ulmariae Segal ex Westhoff et Den Held 1969, order Molinietalia caeruleae Koch 1926, class MOLINIO-ARRHENATHERETEA Tx. 1937.

Key words: Geranio pratensi-Cirsietum cani ass. nova, characteristics plant ofspecies, ecology, range, Republic of Moldova.

¹ “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, Dumbrava Rosie Street no. 7-9, 700487 Iasi – Romania
² Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 20A Carol I, 700505, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Coarse woody debris is often highlighted as the most important microhabitat for numerous saproxylic species, including macrofungi. Providing valuable nutrients, stable microclimatic conditions and development space, logs and large branches are considered of great ecological value for macrofungal diversity conservation. Old forests are especially rich in downed coarse dead wood both at quantity and quality level. Unfortunately, these forests are also affected by human interventions, through wood extraction and forest fragmentation. The main objective of this study was to find the factors that best explain the macrofungal diversity on downed coarse woody debris (DCWD). For this, we sampled 21 plots in forests dominated by beech or oak from Northeastern Romania, where we collected data about fungi, forest structure, and dead wood. We completed the variables set with forest fragmentation and topographic indices. In order to find the best models and predictors, we used generalized linear models (GLM). We found 163 taxa, polypores and agarics being the most frequent. The two most important predictors had a positive effect, increasing macrofungal diversity: 2'nd and 3'rd decay stages DCWD volume and elevation while the third one had a hump-shape effect on diversity. In old forests, downed dead wood quality and quantity is a vital component for numerous species of fungi to survive and develop. Elevation is a known proxy of macroclimatic conditions, furthermore creating new rich-resources niches because increasing humidity and taxonomic diversification by conifers occurrence. Patch shape can have divergent effects on fungi, as increasing perimeter is associated from one point on, with human deforestation and accessibility. Overall, we believe that Northeastern Romania's old forests hosts a great lignicolous macrofungal richness, which will be protected through silvicultural practices such as keeping valuable dead wood on site.

Key words: broadleaved dominated forest, forest structure, lignicolous fungal richness, logs and large branches, shape index, topography.

¹ “Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, 7-9 Dumbrava Rosie, 700487 Iasi – Romania
² Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Carol I 20A, 700505 Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Although Choiromyces meandriformis is considered as a wide-spread fungus species in forest habitats of Europe, still it is listed as rare, endangered and even critically threatened in some countries. In Romania the species is sporadically spread throughout the Carpathian Mountains and surrounding areas, in soils under both deciduous and coniferous species. In this study there are presented two new localities for Choiromyces meandriformis in northern part of Romania, where the species was identified in spruce communities. The specimens were macroscopically and microscopically characterized and soil analyses were performed. Also, a phytosociological investigation of the forest habitat was performed. Soil analysis highlighted the species preference for acidic soils, with a medium content of humus, total nitrogen, potassium and total phosphorus, and a reduced amount of organic matter. The forest community (Hieracio transsivanici-Piceetum) was characterized by a uniform and species-poor floristic composition.

Key words: Choiromyces meandriformis, ecology, habitat, soil characteristics, hypogeous fungi.

¹ “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute), Chisinau – Republic of Moldova

Abstract: Biomethane production is environmentally friendly and rapidly expanding in the latest years. Energy crops can be a suitable feedstock and if ensiled it can be supplied to biogas plants continuously throughout the year. The aim of the current work was to evaluate quality and biochemical methane production potential of silage prepared from Poaceae plant species: Festuca arundinacea and Miscanthus giganteus grown in experimental land of the National Botanical Garden (Institute), Chisinau. The samples were collected from the 3-year-old Miscanthus giganteus (June 16, August 17, October 2) and Festuca arundinacea (June 16). The biochemical methane production potential of Miscanthus giganteus silage prepared from first mowing in June reached 355 L/kg, but second mowing in October – 318 L/kg, single mowing regime in August – 290 L/kg; Festuca arundinacea silage – 340 L/kg, respectively.

Key words: biochemical methane production potential, Festuca arundinacea, Miscanthus giganteus, silage.

¹ “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute), Chisinau – Republic of Moldova
² Research and Development Institute for Grasslands Brasov – România

Abstract: Grasses are considered as one of the most important sources in low-cost feed for for animals, but also a substrate for the production of renewable energy. We studied the quality of the freshly harvested biomass and hay of Romanian cultivars of tall fescue Festuca arundinacea: 'Adela', 'Brio', 'Magurele 5', created at the Research and Development Institute for Grasslands, Brasov, Romania and cultivated in the experimental plot of the National Botanical Garden (Institute) “Alexandru Ciubotaru”, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The samples for assessment were taken in the 2^nd year of growth, when the plants were cut for the 1^st time. The amount of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (HC), digestible dry matter (DDM), organic matter digestibility (OMD), relative feed value (RFV), the metabolizable energy (ME), the net energy for lactation (NEl), biomethane production potential (BMP) were analyzed. It has been determined that the green mass productivity of the tall fescue cultivars achieved 30.83-36.96 t/ha, the dry matter contained 114-136 g/kg CP, 74-89 g/kg CA, 582-593 g/kg NDF, 392-396 g/kg ADF, 34-41 g/kg ADL, 322- 329 g/kg Cel, 226-229 g/kg HC, 60.3-63.8% DDM and 57.2-62.2% OMD, 9.12-9.62 MJ/kg ME and 5.69-5.86 MJ/kg NEl; the hay dry matter contained 99-117 g/kg CP, 80-86 g/kg CA, 582-593 g/kg NDF, 356-366 g/kg ADF, 34-37 g/kg ADL, 351-356 g/kg Cel, 236-260 g/kg HC, 55.8-57.2% DDM and 51.4-53.3% OMD, 9.51-9.59 MJ/kg ME and 5.53-5.59 MJ/kg NEl, this fact indicates a optimal quality of the roughage feed for ruminants. The substrate for the anaerobic digestion, consisting of fresh mass of tall fescue, had a biomethane production potential of 349-354 L/kg of organic matter. The studied cultivars of tall fescue could be used in the Republic of Moldova for the restoration of degraded permanent grasslands, as a component of the mix of grasses for the creation of temporary grasslands and can be planted between rows in vineyards and orchards. Besides, the obtained biomass can be used as feed for animals or as substrate at biomethane production plants.

Key words: biomethane production, cv. Adela, cv. Brio, cv. Magurele 5, feed value, Festuca arundinacea, productivity.