Romania
The eighth international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2026 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Everybody is welcome to join this initiative!
The Cluj Horticultural Days, organized by the Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, have reached their 5th edition. This event brings together businesses from horticulture, landscape architecture, tourism, and rural development to showcase their products and services to both the public and entrepreneurial communities. Throughout the event, a wide range of exhibitions and student-led activities highlight the latest innovations in horticulture, fostering interaction between students, young people, and industry professionals. These days offer an excellent opportunity to promote business initiatives and campus life. Activities include explorations of edibles plant, of microplants, the adaptation of exotic plants in different conditions, and creative transformations of plants using various tools and techniques. At the heart of it all lies a shared passion: plants.
Coordinator: Prof.dr. Mirela CORDEA
Plant sound research investigates the vibrations and acoustic emissions generated by internal physiological processes, particularly the circulation of water through plant tissues. Although these signals are not directly perceptible to the human ear, they can be detected and analyzed using specialized sensors, such as contact microphones, clip-type sensors, or suction cups attached directly to the surface of the plant. Recent studies have shown that these vibrations can vary depending on environmental conditions, such as water stress or temperature, thereby providing information about the physiological state of the plants. In some experiments, the collected signals are subsequently amplified, processed, and even transformed into audible sounds or musical compositions. The presentation follows the results of research in which clip-type sensors were used to record variations in electrical conductivity or micro-vibrations produced by plants. The collected signals were translated into sound forms through the use of algorithms and a digital synthesizer. An interactive installation was subsequently designed, in which students and university staff had the opportunity to listen to the resulting piece without knowing the source of the sounds. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire indicating the context in which they would recommend such sounds and to describe the sensations or emotions they experienced. During the presentation, this sound collage will be available for listening.
Coordinators: Lecturer. dr. Sonia BODEA, Drd. Ioana GHIURCO