* Dalhousie University, Department of Biology, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada
** Universitatea din Oradea, Facultatea de Stiinte, Catedra de Biologie, str. Universitatii, nr. 1, RO-410087 Oradea
e-mail: tcborza@gmail.com

Abstract: Green plants (Virideplantae) are represented by two main lineages: the Streptophyta and the Chlorophyta. Chlorophytes comprise the majority of green algae while streptophytes include the charophyte algae and the embryophytes. Ultrastructural studies as well as phylogenetic analyses of several nuclear encoded genes suggested that the unicellular alga Mesostigma viride represent the closest relative of streptophytes. However, other studies, employing plastid and mitochondrial genes, suggested that Mesostigma represents a lineage that emerged before the divergence of the Streptophyta and Chlorophyta. Recently, the genome of the prasinophyte Ostreococcus tauri, which holds a basal position in the evolution of Chlorophyta, has been sequenced. To gain more insight on the phylogenetic positioning of the unicellular algae M. viride and O. tauri on the tree of green plants we analyzed phylogenetically three proteins of rather different origin, function and intracellular localization. Analyses were performed using two methods of phylogenetic reconstruction: Neighbor-Joining and Bayesian inference. The analysis of the ?-6 fatty acid desaturase, an enzyme of cyanobacterial origin, places M. viride at the base of the streptophytes; homologous sequences seem to be absent in the O. tauri database. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on the subunit c of vacuolar ATPase, a protein restricted to eukaryotes, suggests that O. tauri might represent the ancestor of all green plants while M. viride that of the streptophytes. The analysis of the enzyme peroxireductase II, points toward a proteobacterial origin of this protein and places both, O. tauri and M. viride, at the base of all green plants. These results suggest that the positioning of O. tauri and M. viride on the tree of green plants is strongly influenced by the protein selected for analyses and by the absence/presence of sequences from other basal taxa; therefore, the hypothesis that O. tauri and M. viride might represent lineages that diverged before the occurrence of the two main lineages of green plants cannot be completely rejected. Also, our study underlines the fact that more sequences, from other basal groups of prasinophytes, such as the Pyramidomonales and Prasinococcales, are needed in order to unambiguously resolve the position of M. viride and O. tauri on the tree of green plants.

Key words: Mesostigma viride, Ostreococcus tauri, green algae, prasinophytes, origin of green plants, phylogeny

Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj Napoca
e-mail: Liv_botany@yahoo.com

Abstract: New 'guests' among the cormophyte species of Cluj-Napoca city. The present paper signals 6 new cormophyte species in Cluj-Napoca city, among which three of them are quoted for the first time in Transylvania (Brachyactis ciliata, Polygonum aubertii and Nonea lutea), and the other (Panicum dichotomiflorum, Sorghum halepense and Lychnis chalcedonica) are new to the flora of Cluj county. The presentation of the extension of the species Brachyactis ciliata and Panicum dichotomiflorum in Romania can also be a useful tool when monitoring the extension of their areal in Romania.

Key words: alien, naturalized, invasive species, urban areas

* Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Carol Davila, Catedra de Biofizica, str. Eroilor Sanitari, nr. 8, RO-050474 Bucuresti
** Universitatea din Bucuresti, Catedra de Biologie Vegetala, Splaiul Independentei, nr 91-95, RO-050095 Bucuresti
e-mail: valentinbarca@yahoo.com

Abstract: Sempervivum marmoreum Griseb. is a monocarpic crassulacean that perennates by offshoots. It has 12-16-merous flowers, with white pink(ish) petals sometimes white striated with pink or garnet-red to burgundy mid-petal veins. The ciliated leaves, are glandular hairy on both sides in young specimens or in young leaves becoming glabrescent in older leaves or old specimens late in the summer. The species is a Carpathian-Balkan (Dacian) element, with a range spanning between cca. 15-27 degree East meridians, reaching eastwards the Turkish borders and the Croatian Adriatic coast westwards. In Romania it is distributed throughout the country, showing some degree of ecological amplitude, the species inhabiting preponderantly dryer habitats in rocky locations with high altitudinal preference. The region involved in our study spans North of Danube being limited approximately by the 46 degree parallel to the North, comprising a wide variety of habitats from the Danube flood plains to the highest peaks in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains (an altitude ranging between 50-2550m a.s.l.), with a climate and edaphic conditions similarly diverse. Our study presents a more precise distribution list of the locations from which Sempervivum marmoreum Griseb. was mentioned and a grid map in the UTM projection system of the species distribution in Southern Carpathian Mountains, together with some chorological and ecological considerations with regard to biotic and abiotic factors involved in its distribution.

Key words: Sempervivum marmoreum Griseb, Crassulaceae, chorology, Southern Carpathian Mountain range, Romania, distribution UTM grid map, UTM geocodes, ecology, phyto-coenology

* Universitatea Bucuresti, Catedra de biologie vegetala, Splaiul Independentei, nr 91-95, RO-050095 Bucuresti
** Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Carol Davila, Catedra de Biofizica, Eroilor Sanitari, nr. 8, RO-050474 Bucuresti
e-mail: mari_niculae@yahoo.com

Abstract: Sedum annuum L. is an annual species sometimes perennating by basal nonflowering shoots, with subsessile 5-merous flowers, with yellow petals and round-tipped, bright green glabrous leaves. The species has a pan-European distribution, with a range limited by West 55 and East 32 degree meridians, reaching the northernmost regions of Europe in Norway and Iceland. The Romanian range covers the whole country, preponderantly in higher regions, the species occupying many habitats in stony places but having fairly large ecological amplitude. The region involved in our study spans North of Danube being limited approximately by the North 46 degree parallel to the north, comprising a wide variety of habitats from the Danube flood plains to the highest peaks in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains (an altitude ranging between 50-2550m a.s.l.), with a climate and edaphic conditions similarly diverse. The present study presents a list of the locations from which the species S. annuum L was mentioned, complemented by the first grid map in UTM projection system of the species distribution in Romanian Southern Carpathians together with considerations about the chorology and the ecology of the species with reference to biotic and abiotic factors involved in its distribution.

Key words: Sedum annuum L, Crassulaceae, chorology, Southern Carpathian Mountain range, Romania, distribution UTM grid map, UTM geocodes, ecology, phyto-coenology

Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: mbarbos@gmail.com

Abstract: This study concerned the identification and statistical validation of coenotaxa dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra, as well as the assessment of differential species corresponding to each coenotaxon. In order to achieve these results, 121 phytosociological releves were investigated between 2003-2006 in the mountainous area of Maramures County. The analyses led to the identification of the following coenotaxa: Hypochoeri radicatae-Agrostetum tenuis Pop et al. 1988; Anthyllido vulnerarae-Festucetum rubrae (Mathe et Kovacs 1960) Soo 1971; Festuco rubrae-Agrostietum capillaris Horv. (1951) 1952 and Festuco rubrae-Agrostietum capillaris Horv. (1951) 1952 subass. avenuletosum praeustae subass. nova.

Key words: grassland, syntaxonomy, phytosociology, classification, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Avenula praeusta, Anthyllis vulneraria, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, grassland biodiversity, evenness

* Universitatea Lucian Blaga, str. Oituz, nr. 31, RO-550337 Sibiu
** Liceul Samuel von Brukenthal, Piata Huet, nr. 5, RO-550182 Sibiu
e-mail: ctindrg@yahoo.com
berndscu@web.de

Abstract: Meadows with Chrysopogon-gryllus in South-Transylvania. In various locations in South Transylvania, more precisely: in the County of Sibiu, the authors have found phytocoenoses in which Chrysopogon gryllus prevail. We state that in Romania numerous coenoses with Chrysopogon gryllus have been described under 22 synonyms at 90 different locations in the Banat area, in Transsylvania, in Muntenia, in Oltenia, in Dobrogea and in the Danube Delta as well as in Moldavia. After a summarizing comparison of 250 samples of plants published in the literature the authors state that it is very difficult to say in what associations those phytocoenoses can be classified. It is very easy to say that all these groups of plants belong to Chrysopogonetum grylli Soo 1939. Out in the field there are more types of Chrysopogon gryllus: one type of South Transylvania, one type of the Banat area, one prevailing in the Muntenia-Dobrogea region, and one which can mainly be found in the litoral and Delta area. There might also be a Mehedinti-type and a Moldavia type. In those categories there are ecological sub-types, e.g. xerophilic, xero-mesophilic, meso-xerophilic or even mesophilic coenoses. The phytocoenoses of South Transylvania which the authors have analyzed have been categorized in Chrysopogono-Caricetum humilis (Soo 1930) Zolyomi 1958 on a provisional basis.

Key words: Nomenclature/Nomenklatur, phytosociology/pflanzensoziologie, Chrysopogonetum grylli, Chrysopogono-Caricetumhumilis, South-Transylvania/Sudsiebenburgen, Sibiu County/Kreis Hermannstadt

Universitatea Al. I. Cuza Iasi, Facultatea de Biologie, B-dul Carol I, Nr. 11, RO-700506 Iasi
e-mail: zamfi@uaic.ro

Abstract: The investigated plant communities belong to two phytosociological associations, Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifolii, Soo 1944 and Carici flavae-Blysmetum compressi, Coldea 1997. The diversity was estimated through species richness, Shannon Index, relative diversity and evenness. For each association, we calculated the average values of the diversity descriptors, and the differences between the associations were statistically tested. The plant communities of the association Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifolii had 30-46% of the maximum potential diversity and contained 13-21 species in average. The plant communities of the association Carici flavae-Blysmetum compressi had 4-9% of maximum potential diversity and contained approximately 11-15 species in average. The difference in diversity between the associations was statistically significant. Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifolii is more diverse than Carici flavae-Blysmetum compressi. However, the species richness was not significantly different, which suggests that the difference of diversity resides in the dissimilarity of the species evenness. The higher diversity of Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifolii may be the result of the hydrological conditions dynamics, which acts as an intermediate disturbance that reduces the competitive dominant species, allowing the evenness and therefore the diversity to increase.

Key words: mountain grasslands, species richness, evenness, diversity

Colegiul National Bethlen Gabor, str. Bethlen Gabor, nr. 1, RO - 515200 Aiud
e-mail: laszloek@yahoo.com

Abstract: Vegetation of the 'Taul fara fund' peat bog from the Bagau village (Alba County, Transylvania, Romania). The paper deals with the description and analysis of the vegetation cover from the 'Tau fara fund' peat bog from Bagau village, investigated between 2002 and 2004. There have been identified six plant associations. Some of them are characteristic for the moss layer of transitory Sphagnum-bogs and exhibits rich Drosera rotundifolia population, one of the protected plants in Romania. Most of the associations are represented by phytocoenoses covering small surfaces and contain just a few species. The analysis was focused on the Thelypteridi-Salicetum cinereae association described on the basis of seven releves. Most of the species are Eurasian and circumpolar, mesohydrophytes, hydrophytes, helohydatophytes and hemicryptophytes. They occur mostly in natural habitats (2/3) or disturbed ones (1/3); are ruderal species (44%), tolerants (34%) or competitors (22%).

Key words: plant associations, peat bog, Transylvania, Romania

Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: florincrisan1964@yahoo.com

Abstract: A first inventory of the foliose and fruticose lichens in Rasca Valley (Cluj department) is made, a number of 31 species being identified - 19 corticolous, 6 tericolous, 3 lignicolous and 3 saxicolous. Were found 3 rare species (Cladonia cornuta, Ramalina fastigiata, Usnea florida) according to the chorology of lichens in central Europe. The lichen species were characterised using the ecological indexes (light, humidity, temperature and chemical reaction of the substrate) published by Ellenberg et al. (1992) and Wirth (1995) and the geographical elements. The predominant categories are moderate photophilous (61.29%), xero-mesophilous (45.16%), micro-mesothermal (45.15%) and acidophilous (71%). Predominate also the boreal-mediterranean geographical elements (30%) and the Parmelia (54.83%) and Caldonia (22.58%) type bioforms.

Key words: lichens, fruticose, foliose, lichenflora, ecological analysis, geographical elements, bioforms.

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, Colectivul de Ecologie, str. Clinicilor, nr. 5-7, RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, Colectivul de Botanica, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: lmomeu@yahoo.com

Abstract: Planktonic algal communities of the 'Taga Mare' fishpond (Cluj County, Romania). Investigations on the composition and structure of algal communities, carried out seasonally in 2004, revealed the occurrence of 69 taxa belonging to Cyanoprokaryota, Euglenophyta, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. Dominants are qualitatively the green algae in all seasons investigated (spring, summer and fall). Quantitatively the blue-greens dominate the plankton community: different Oscillatoria species in spring, whereas Anabaena, Anabaenopsis or Aphanizomenon blooms are frequent during summer and autumn. The comparison of the present results with earlier findings (1977, 1978, 1979; unpublished) revealed marked multi-annual changes, showing the decrease of taxa due to the progressive nutrient input and eutrophication of the pond caused by human activity (fish breeding). According to the indicator values of the algal species, corroborated with bibliographic data, the 'Taga Mare' fishpond is strongly eutrophic - zeta-eutrophic, almost hypertrophic, overloaded with organic matter (74% of the indicator species are beta-alpha, alpha- or polysaprobic) the organic pollution index calculated for the pond being very high.

Key words: fishpond, phytoplankton, dynamics, blue-green blooms, Romania

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, Colectivul de Ecologie, str. Clinicilor, nr. 5-7, RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, Colectivul de botanica, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: lmomeu@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper deals with the structure and seasonal changes of the benthic diatoms inhabiting the Somesul Rece river. There have been identified 79 taxa sampled in April, June and October 2004. Many of them are cosmopolitan, but the acidophilous, oligotrophic, oligosaprobic elements inhabiting cold mountain rivers are also well represented. Some of the diatoms have been washed into the river from the peat bogs adjacent to its uppermost part (springs). To estimate the structure of communities the authors calculated some biological indices (species diversity, equitability, index of saprobity, biological diatom index), which allowed to establish the water quality. The floristic similarities among communities were estimated by Jaccard's index. Human impact due to hydrotechnical activities, grazing and forest clearing in the Somesul river catchment affects and alter in some respect the structure of diatom communities.

Key words: benthic diatoms, montane river, seasonal changes, Romania

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Biologie Experimentala, str. M. Kogalniceanu, nr. 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara, Facultatea de Agricultura, Calea Manastur, nr. 3, RO-400372 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: vamutiro@yahoo.co.uk
ghgroza@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper presents the evolution of the bacterial potential in the soils of the experimental plots, in the frame of a bioremediation experiment carried out on iron mine spoils. The bacterial potential was appreciate on the base of the bacterial indicators of soil quality (BISQ), calculated taking into account the number of bacteria which belong to the following 5 ecophysiological groups: aerobic mesophilic heterotrophs, ammonifiers, denitrifiers, iron-reducers and desulphofiers. Seasonal analyses were carried out, and annual BISQs have been calculated too. Both the seasonal and the annual BISQs follow a zig-zag-like trajectory: the plots covered with soil have higher values of the BISQ than the uncovered ones. As compared to the control native soil, in the moment of the experiment initiation, the BISQs had values lower with untill 50%. After the vegetation period, an increase of the BISQ values was noticed: at all the covered plots, the annual BISQs were >60% towards soil and >125% towards spoil; at all the uncovered plots, the BISQs were <60% towards soil and <120% towards spoil. The best evolution along the first year of vegetation was registered in the plot 25, covered with soil and cultivated with Medicago sativa. A positive correlation has been established between the bacterial and the enzymatic indicators of soil quality. The both synthetic indicators reflect the good evolution of the experimental plots along the first year of vegetation.

Key words: spoils, iron mine, bacteria, bacterial indicator of soil quality, bioremediation, microbial potential, evolution, experimental plots

Facultatea de Stiinte Naturale si Agricole, Departamentul de Biologie, Universitatea Ovidius, str. Mamaia, nr. 124, RO-900590 Constanta
e-mail: rodica bercu@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper deals with the structural organization of the root and stem of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Present results revealed that the anatomical structure of this plant confirm the assimilatory and succulent nature of the plant, especially as concerning its water storage parenchyma, covering the major portion of the stem (cladode). The root is well developed, possesses a secondary structure which gives its strength. Remarkable is the presence of siliceous crystals and druses in the parenchyma cells and pith cells of the stem. The vascular system of the stele is represented by several collateral vascular bundles. The mechanical tissues are absent in the stem. One should note the presence of numerous spines and white lifeless hairs situated in the areoles of cladodes.

Key words: anatomy, root, cladode, spiny, Opuntia ficus-indica

* Colegiul National E. Hurmuzachi, Calea Bucovinei, nr. 5, RO-725400 Radauti
** Universitatea Al. I. Cuza,Facultatea de Biologie, Bd. Carol I, nr. 11, RO-700506 Iasi
e-mail: andronacheaspazia@yahoo.com

Abstract: The authors investigated the origin, development and structure of haustoria in 16 hemiparasitic plant species (2 obligate and 14 facultative) and 11 holoparasitic ones (6 twiners and 5 parasitic on the roots of other flowering plants) occurring spontaneously in the Romanian flora. The present investigations emphasize that the haustoria are special organs, whose origin and structure differs from that of the roots.

Key words: histology, haustoria, hemiparasitic plants, holoparasitic plants

Universitatea din Pitesti, Facultatea de Stiinte, str. Targu din Vale, nr. 1, RO-110040 Pitesti
e-mail: cristescu_cri@yahoo.com

Abstract: Diaporthe incarcerata, known as pathogen causing the dieback of Rosa branches was detected in many orchards in Romania. Our investigations approached a series of bio-ecological aspects of this pathogen: isolation, purification and obtaining of the pathogen; determination and identification of pathogen; establishing in vitro parameters of fungal development (carbon source). The isolate used in this study was obtained from Rosa spp. branched and was cultivated on three culture media: potato dextrose agar (PDA), malt extract agar and water agar which included five saccharides: glucose, fructose, arabinose, cellulose and starch. When the pathogen was grown on PDA, the most favourable carbon sources for the development were arabinose, glucose and starch. In case of extract agar, the most favourable carbon source were fructose and arabinose, followed by glucose, starch and cellulose. When the fungus was growth on water agar, the sporulation was completely inhibited.

Key words: Diaporthe, in vitro, carbon source

Universitatea Pitesti, str. Targul din Vale, nr. 1, RO-110040 Pitesti
e-mail: ancasutan@yahoo.com

Abstract: Under the circumstances of commercial success of intergeneric hybrids Fragaria x Potentilla with ornamental value, our study had the main purpose to establish the origin of intergeneric forms Fragaria x Potentilla existing in the National Collection of Fragaria from Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti - Maracineni. Knowing the origin of these forms is an important issue for their use in hybridizations with commercial varieties of strawberry, because many varieties and selections present in commercial growing have as a parent, from Fragaria genus, one of the species F. x ananassa, F. chiloensis or F. vesca. Since the ploidy level of intergeneric hybrids Fragaria x Potentilla could be different, depending on their origin, an important aim of our study was to establish the ploidy level of these intergeneric hybrids with normal fertility.

Key words: intergeneric, hybrids, phenotype, ploidy, origin

* Institutul de Biologie, Splaiul Independentei, nr. 296, CP 56-53, RO-060031 Bucuresti
** Gradina Botanica D.Brandza, Aleea Portocalilor, nr. 1-3, RO-060101 Bucuresti
e-mail: irina.holobiuc@ibiol.ro

Abstract: The aim our work was to establish in vitro cultures in Veronica multifida ssp. capsellicarpa for ex situ conservation. We also characterized at the biochemical level the regenerated shoots using the peroxidases and catalases spectrum determination. The optimum regeneration way is the direct morphogenesis, which allowed the obtaining of vigorous rooted plantlets, suitable for ex vitro transfer. The analysis of peroxidase spectrum allowed the identification of 4 loci. The absence of some proteins with peroxidase activity is correlated with the presence of mannitol added in culture medium. The catalases activity was identified in the samples cultured on media supplied with PVP and mannitol. It is possible that these supplements have the capacity to induce the activity of some enzymes with scavenger role for H2O2. The micropropagation protocol established in Veronica multifida ssp capsellicarpa can be extended in other related species.

Key words: in vitro, conservation, morphogenesis, catalase and peroxidase spectrum

Academia Romana, Institutul de Biologie, Splaiul Independentei, nr. 296, CP 56-53, RO-060031 Bucuresti
e-mail: irina.holobiuc@ibiol.ro

Abstract: The continuous loss of plants species involves the development of the conservation strategies, the establishment of micropropagation protocols and in vitro collections that ought to help the ex situ conservation of rare and threatened plants. In vitro active gene bank is based on living plant tissues culture collection maintained during medium-term period of time. The aim of our work was to establish efficiently micropropagation protocols and to preserve medium term five rare Dianthus species from the alpine Flora: Dianthus tenuifolius Schur., Dianthus callizonus Schott et Kotschy, Dianthus spiculifolius Schur., Dianthus superbus L. ssp. speciosus (Reinchenb) Pawl, Dianthus glacialis ssp. gelidus Schott, Nyman et Kotschy. Good results concerning the micropropagation and in vitro conservation were obtained in all Dianthus species studied. The proliferative tissue cultures could be medium term preserved using media supplemented with different mannitol concentration.

Key words: improved micropropagation, medium-term preservation, rare, Dianthus

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, str. Republicii, nr. 46, RO-40015 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Gradina Botanica Al. Borza, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-40015 Cluj-Napoca
*** Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-40015 Cluj-Napoca
e-mail: victoriacristea@grbot.ubbcluj.ro

Abstract: The biotechnology of in vitro culture is increasingly used as part of ex situ and in situ programmes for the conservation of a number of plant species that are endemic, endangered, vulnerable or rare. Dianthus pyrenaicus Pourr. is mentioned in Flora Europaea as en endemism for the French south part and the Spanish north-east part of the Pyrenean Mountains [1, 11]. The aseptic culture was induced starting from sterile seeds. The culture were induced and then maintained on aseptic media, with a varied hormone balance in order to obtain an as high possible multiplication rate and induction of rhizogenesis. After the acclimatization the plants obtained from this experiment will be cultivated in the Botanical Garden Alexandru Borza, from Cluj-Napoca, in the area of the Alps, Apennines and Pyrenees Mountains flora. The initiation of the culture and the multiplication of Dianthus pyrenaicus Pourr. using the in vitro biotechnology has been leading to a much better results than the normal culture in the greenhouse.

Key words: Dianthus pyrenaicus Pourr., in vitro culture, ex situ conservation, endemic species, infection index, phytohormone balance, multiplication ratio, rhyzogenesis, ex vitro acclimatization