Marius Nicusor Grigore

Characterizing the effects of salt stress in Calendula officinalis L.

In this study the effects of salt stress on growth and several stress markers were investigated in the ornamental and medicinal plant Calendula officinalis. One month old plants were submitted to increasing concentrations of salt up to 150mM NaCl for a period of 30 days. Salinity affected growth in terms of stem length and fresh weight of the plants, but water content remained unchanged indicating a certain tolerance to low and mild concentrations of salt. Although Na+ and Cl− increased in parallel to applied salt treatments, the levels of K+ and Ca2+ showed no significant change, while Mg2+ levels recorded a two folds increase upon the application of the highest salt concentration. Other measured parameters showed a more significant change, notably proline that registered a nine folds increase under salt stress. In conclusion, although plants suffered from salt stress as shown by the degradation of photosynthetic pigments and increased MDA levels, they continued their vegetative growth under low concentrations of salt. The main mechanisms of response to stress in this species are based on the insurance of K+ and Ca2+ homeostasis and the accumulation of proline as a functional osmolyte.

Antioxidant properties evidenced by polyphenols content in two Romanian red grape cultivars in Iasi area

Environment protection and management includes preservation of agroindustrial plant species with certificated biological features as source of healthy and safe foods and drinks. Antioxidant properties of fruits were evidenced by total polyphenols content of different parts of grapes (skins, pulps and seeds) in two grape cultivars (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) from two experimental fields (Copou and Bucium vineyards). The total phenolic contents of seeds ranged from 116.56 to 127.90 mg GAE/g lyophilized matter in Merlot cultivars and from 101.64 to 109.29 mg GAE/g lyophilized matter in Cabernet cultivars. Our research reveal that there are variations in total polyphenols content within investigated grape cultivars, both in terms of analyzed fruit components as well as by the location of the two collecting points.