Romania
The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2024 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, conducted within the Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, UASVM Cluj-Napoca reached the 3rd edition where the business in the field of horticulture, landscape architecture, tourism and rural development present the products and services to the people and entrepreneurial sectors. Also, during these days a lot of exhibitions and student activities bring the newest products in the field of horticulture, thus creating a connection between students and young people, which makes these days a good chance to show our business opportunities and student life on our campus.
Robin Rose Bannet sais:’’Mother nature’s chest is full of healing herbs of inestimable value’’
Medicinal plants have been used for centuries for their therapeutic effect. The use of natural resources for the purpose of treating some diseases is part of the tradition of many countries even today. These are an inexhaustible source of resources in the pharmaceutical world. At “Vasile Fati” Botanical Garden Jibou, in the medicinal plant collection there are also plants from the spontaneous flora that we presented in the suggestive mini-brochure “First aid kit from nature”. It is intended to be an activity for children, adults and families.
Every minute, air currents, insects, and any moving object disperse millions of pollen grains. Thanks to the genetic information contained within each grain and the unique morphological features of their outer shell (exine), pollen analysis offers valuable insights, including the origin place and botanical identity (Sawer, 2006). Palynology is the science that deals with the study of pollen and spores, both viable and fossil. The most important object of study is pollen grains, which are analysed morphologically and botanically (Hesse et al., 2009). The study of palynology, through its applicability in fields such as taxonomy and plant evolution, medicine, identification of the botanical and geographical origin of honey, entomology, ecology, plant culture, or forensics, is of particular importance for our society. Many countries such as the USA, France, Italy, Austria, Turkey and Spain have invested considerable resources to develop this science. National programs have been developed to monitor the risk of allergies caused by anemophilic pollen, laboratories specialising in melisopalinological analysis have been developed, and databases have been set up to study the characteristics of pollen grains. CSII Rodica Margaoan PhD.
Plants are living creatures that covers most part of the earth. You see them all around yourself. But perceptions of what constitutes a plant have changed over time. There are several reasons why one might want to be concerned about plants: food security, medicinal value, climate regulation, ecosystem services, environmental impact, aesthetic and cultural value. Plants are humanity’s prime source of inspiration, as it seeks to order chaos and gain insight into life. In nature, plants are life with complexity and perplexity. The appetite for plants understanding is a reflection of the profound human need to grasp the patterns of living. Our botanical inspired installation will focus not just as an intellectual exercise, but within a very personal, emotional experience.
Population increase, poverty, environmental degradation, and the use of synthetic herbicides are interdependent and closely linked and hence influence global food safety and stability of world agriculture. On the one hand, varied weeds, insects, and other pests caused losses in agricultural crop productivity annually. On the other hand, the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides significantly disturbs the ecology of biotic communities in agricultural and natural ecosystems. In nature, survival through competitive environments for space, light, water and nutrients, as well as defence against microorganisms and insects is accomplished through a variety of adapting mechanisms that depict a biochemical interaction among living systems. This phenomenon was later called allelopathy.
When we look at a landscape we see it as a whole, but in its structure, there are several layers that define it and give a special atmosphere. Every plant looks and feels differently. Following the GPS coordinates set on the campus map by using a smartphone, you will find a pathway that will immerse you into the green landscape of our campus made of mysterious species. Discover colorful flowers, impressive trees, smelling shrubs, prickly leaves, find them, smell them, taste them and read about the benefits and the importance of each one on the page that opens when you reach the plant! Coordinators Lecturer dr. Bodea Sonia and Assoc.Prof.dr. Denisa Jucan
The activity proposes a more attentive approach regarding how we perceive life, through senses. As humans, we take it for granted that we can run when we hear a threatening sound, think and speak about our emotions, or change the environment so that we can feel comfortable. But, how intriguing is it to note the difference between us and plants, regarding the sensitivity to various stimulants? During the presentation, we will discover how a plant can ”hear”, communicate or even ”dance”. We will find out about examples of different plant senses, and learn why the universe of such living organisms is so fascinating. Coordinators: Assoc.prof.dr. Catalina Dan and Assoc.prof.dr.Denisa Jucan.
The workshop will present creative ways to “transform” various specimens of vegetation that have lost their ornamental value through defoliation, chaotic growth or crown damage, into topiary forms, plant sculptures or even bonsai. The exposition will include a description of the pruning principles that apply in these cases, and the ways to maintain and improve the quality of the plants and will be accompanied by the presentation of the tools used, the work techniques, and practical examples of interventions in the crown of the plants will be shown. At the end of the workshop, there will be an interactive session, accompanied by discussions, questions and answers on the topics discussed. Assoc. prof. dr. Valentin Dan.
The museum offers a true story of Romanian botany, written by some of the greatest researchers in the field: from Pater Bela – the first director of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and, at the same time, the first researcher of medicinal plants in Romania to Iuliu Prodan, professor of botany in this discipline and collaborator in the still unsurpassed Flora of Romania. The Scientific Herbarium of USAMV Cluj-Napoca was established in 1904, being linked from its beginnings to the activity of the botany department that operated within the institution. Currently, the USAMV Cluj-Napoca Scientific Herbarium has over 30000 herbarium sheets and specimens registered, this herbarium being listed in the International Index of Scientific Herbaria (Index Herbariorum), under the acronym CLA. The importance of scientific herbaria is also noted in the modern era, through the need to keep material records of botanical specimens included in scientific studies and research, for consultation.
Prof. dr. Rodica Vârban, Assist prof. Ioana Crișan, dr. eng. Liliana Istrate
This activity aims to introduce participants to the culinary possibilities of edible flowers, including their selection, preparation, and incorporation into various dishes, while also discussing their cultural significance and health benefits. Edible flowers have been gaining popularity among researchers, nutritionists and chefs all around the world. Nowadays, flowers are used to make food look and/or taste better; however, they are also a very good source of valuable nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, macro and microelements). The exposition will include ways to valorise edible flowers in different vegetable matrices. By exploring the nutritional aspects of edible flowers, participants gain a deeper appreciation for these unique ingredients and the diverse culinary experiences they can offer. This event is organized by the Faculty of Food Science and Technology and coordinated by Assoc. prof. dr. Anamaria Pop, Lecturer dr. Georgiana Smaranda Marțiș.
The workshop is a competition initiated three years ago, at Fascination of Plants Day, now at its third edition.
Sustainable gastronomy presents a significant opportunity for fostering green recovery in various ways promoting local and seasonal foods, reducing food waste, putting emphasis on plant-based and low-impact ingredients and innovating food technology. It aims to select the best recipes, green gastronomy concepts, and methods to combine various vegetables, in a tasty plate. The winners of this competition will be selected by representatives of different food industry professionals. Diplomas and other awards are provided for the best high school students. This event is organized by the Faculty of Food Science and Technology and coordinated by Assoc. prof. dr. Anamaria Pop, Lecturer dr. Georgiana Smaranda Marțiș and Lecturer dr. Lucian Cuibus.