*Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Biology, 42 Republicii str., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
email: kuhnthomas89@yahoo.com

Abstract: Crataegus species are common and widespread shrubs or small trees across Europe, and are of considerable ecological and agricultural importance. However, controversy still surrounds the taxonomy and ecology of this genus, mainly due to frequent hybridization between sympatric species and introgression of genes. Considering the poor representation of Crataegus-related research in the Romanian botanical literature, we investigated the occurrence and morphology of native Crataegus species and their putative hybrids in north-western Romania. We collected herbarium specimens from three regions (Zarandului Mountains, Transylvanian Plain, Calata region), from a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands and forest-grassland ecotones. Morphometric measurements were taken on a total of 34 fruit-, leaf- and stipule characters on generative shoots. We used PCA and Random Forest analysis to select for the 'best' characters differentiating between species and hybrids. We identified ten different Crataegus taxa, including species, subspecies, varieties and their hybrid nothotaxa: Crataegus monogyna (mainly in grasslands), C. rhipidophylla var. rhipidophylla, C. rhipidophylla var. lindmannii and C. laevigata subsp. laevigata, C. laevigata subsp. palmstruchii (mainly in forests), C. x kyrtostyla nothovar. domicensis, C. x media, C. x macrocarpa nothovar. macrocarpa and C. x macrocarpa nothovar. hadensis (mainly in forest openings and near forest edges). The most common taxa identified was C. x kyrtostyla nothovar. kyrtostyla (common in grasslands, rarer in forests). The best differentiating characters between species and hybrids were number of styles, fruit length, number of teeth on stipules, position of sepals on mature fruits, number of serrations on basal leaf lobe, ratio between serrate part of lower leaf lobe and the entire part, depth of basal sinus, and ratio between sepal length and width. Based on the results of the morphometric analysis and literature review, we constructed national identification keys of all Crataegus taxa identified in this study and other confirmed taxa present in Romania. Additionally, we have illustrated the most common six identified taxa (including hybrids).

Key words: Calata region, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus rhipidophylla, Crataegus x kyrtostyla, Crataegus x macrocarpa, Crataegus x media, identification keys, hybridization, morphometry, Transylvania, Transylvanian Plain, Zarandului Mountains

*Department of Botany, Goalpara College, Goalpara-783101, Assam, India
**Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India
***Nature's Bonyopran, Behali, Biswanath-784176, Assam, India
****Joint Directorate of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny", Krasnaya Street, 30, Saransk-430005, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
*****Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Lenina Street, 25, 625003-Tyumen, Russia
e-mail: sumpam@gmail.com

Abstract: The investigations of flora and fauna in Protected Areas provide important contributions to the knowledge on the status of unmanaged natural ecosystems. In 2017-2019, we studied the vascular plant flora of Behali Reserve Forest (Assam, India). The reserve forest covers 140.16 km2 area of semi-evergreen forest. We investigated the taxonomic composition of the flora and diversity of growth forms of species and habitats. In addition, we conducted global IUCN Red List assessment of two endemic species, Aristolochia assamica and Chlorophytum assamicum. We found that the vascular plant flora of Behali Reserve Forest consists of 281 taxa, including 272 species, one subspecies and eight varieties. They belong to 206 genera and 79 families. Among them, Pandanus unguifer was recorded for the first time for the flora of Assam. In growth form spectrum of vascular plants, trees, vines and shrubs predominated, followed by epiphytes, forbs or herbs, geophytes, annuals and parasites. The largest number of vascular plants was found in dense forests, while open habitats were characterized by the smallest species richness. Chlorophytum assamicum is assessed as CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D, and Aristolochia assamica as EN B2ab(iii). At the same time, there is a threat of reduction or disappearance of their populations. This is especially crucial for C. assamicum, represented by a single world population. Undoubtedly, further investigations of flora could result in an increase in number of the vascular plant flora of Behali Reserve Forest, as well as providing essential insights into population trends of several other species as per IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Angiosperms, checklist, foothills, Himalayas, Protected Area, threat status

*Biological Research Center, 48 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Biological Research Center, Botanical Garden "Vasile Fati", 14 Parcului Street, RO-455200 Jibou, Romania
email: paul.szatmari@icbcluj.ro

Abstract: Dittrichia graveolens (L.) W. Greuter, an invasive plant species of Mediterranean origin, is recorded for the first time in Romania. We found the species in October 2020 in two separate locations along the main highway that connects Brasov and Sibiu cities, in Southern Transylvania, central Romania. We present here the first data concerning the species occurrence in the investigated area, its observed habitat, local distribution and accompanying species. We presume that the main vector for the introduction and dispersal of this species in Romania is the high traffic density along the major roads. Dittrichia graveolens has proven its invasive potential in other regions of Europe and North America of similar temperature and precipitation regimes under an overall temperate climate. Consequently, taking into account its fast dispersal, especially in the more favourable habitats for its establishment that exist along the major roads from the lower altitudes and the riparian communities from the western, southern and eastern parts of Romania, we conclude that close monitoring of the species occurrence should be undertaken in order to better assess its full invasive potential in our country and to reduce the risk of impact on natural plant communities.

Key words: neophyte, invasive species, Inula graveolens, dispersal pathways, disturbed habitats.

*1University of Bucharest, "D. Brandza" Botanic Garden, Cotroceni Sos. 32, RO-060114 Bucharest, Romania
**2University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Portocalelor Intr. 1-3, RO-060110 Bucharest, Romania
e-mail: petronela.comanescu@bio.unibuc.ro

Abstract: The first list of non-native ornamental plants (nNOP) reported as escaped, naturalised or invasive in Romania was published 15 years ago. Since then, new additions to the non-native ornamental flora of Romania have been reported, while others plants have changed their status. As ornamental horticulture is one of the most important pathways for non-native plant introduction worldwide, we evaluated nNOP at the national level and updated the previous list in order to contribute to the development of tools for preventing, detecting, monitoring and managing the spread of nNOP. The updated list includes 264 taxa. Most of these are casual (199 taxa), 37 taxa are naturalised, and 28 taxa are invasive. In addition, the following characteristics were analysed: family, native range, life form, abundance in the country reported as number of localities and temporal trends. Non-native ornamental flora of Romania is dominated by American and Asian taxa, phanerophytes, hemicryptophytes and therophytes. The most widespread species is Robinia pseudoacacia, used not only for ornamental purposes, but also for its economic value. Many taxa (108 taxa) occur only in two to ten localities. 78 nNOP have been reported in the last 20 years. Six taxa are species of European Union concern (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Cabomba caroliniana, Humulopsis scandens, Impatiens glandulifera, Myriophyllum aquaticum) and require special measures to control and mitigate their populations.

Key words: alien, casual, decorative plants, geographical origin, invasive plants, life form, naturalized, residence time, Romania

Department of Ecology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Saksaganski Str. 1, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine
e-mail: halyna_antonyak@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper analyses ecological features of bryophyte species from the territory of the Pohulyanka Forest Park in the city of Lviv, Ukraine. A total of 141 species of bryoflora were analyzed (70 recorded for the first time). In the spectrum of life forms (LF), species with the following LF prevailed in the study area: turf (61 species, 43.3%), mat (48 species, 34%). Turf, the most common life form, was detected on all types of substrates, but was most frequently found on the soil (33 species, 23.4%) and stony substrates (13 species, 9.2%). Analysis of herbarium specimens (herbariums of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, National Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) and the results obtained with respect to the composition of the bryoflora suggest that since the mid-19th century, due to anthropogenic transformation of the study area, most species with LF weft (10 out of 15 species, or 66.7%) have disappeared, while the number of species with LF rough mat on the soil has increased. The apophytic fraction of bryoflora in the study area consists of 121 species (85.8%) belonging to 28 families and 66 genera, including four species in the division Marchantiophyta. In the composition of bryophyte flora, 67 species of eventapophytes were identified (47.5% of the total number of species). Dominant families are Brachytheciaceae, Mniaceae, Pottiaceae, Plagiotheciaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Polytrichaceae. Hemiapophytes comprised 24.1% (i.e. 34 species) of the total number of species. The largest number of hemiapophytes was found in the families Pottiaceae, Bryaceae, Amblystegiaceae and Orthotrichaceae. Among the spontaneophytes (20 species, 14.2%), the families Hypnaceae, Mniaceae and Polytrichaceae prevailed. Indigenophytes amounted to 20 species (14.2%). With regard to the relationship of bryophytes to light, the following groups were identified in the study area: ultraheliophytes, heliophytes, subheliophytes, hemisciophytes and sciophytes. The highest number of species was represented by subheliophytes and hemiscyophytes. Certain patterns were found in the ratio of sun-demanding species in groups of apophytes. Among the hydromorphs, the following groups were identified: ultraxerophytes (found only among hemiapophytes); xerophytes (prevailing in the group of hemiapophytes, but also found among eventapophytes); xeromesophytes, mesophytes, hygromesophytes and hygrophytes (represented in all anthropotolerant groups); hydrophytes (event- and spontan/indigenophytes).

Key words: bryoflora, life forms, ecomorphs, synanthropization, Pohulyanka Forest Park, Lviv urban ecosystem

Department of Biosciences, University of Camerino, Via Pontoni 5, I-62032 Camerino, Italy
e-mail: franco.pedrotti@unicam.it

Abstract: The riparian and swamp forests/scrub of black alder (Alnus glutinosa), white alder (Alnus incana), grey willow (Salix cinerea) and bay willow (S. pentandra) of the Pine' Plateau (Trentino, central Alps) are described here in terms of their floristic composition. They are assigned to the following associations: Filipendulo vulgaris-Alnetum glutinosae, Stellario nemorum-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici elatae-Alnetum glutinosae, Frangulo-Salicetum cinereae and Salicetum pentandro-cinereae. In addition, information regarding the distribution of the previous woody communities in the Trentino-Alto Adige Region and their corresponding vegetation series and geosigmeta are provided.

Key words: Alnion glutinosae, Alnion incanae, colluvial fan, floodplain, geosigmetum, cessation of mowing, Salicion cinereae, slope spring, vegetation sigmetum, wet meadows

*National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological Research Cluj, 48 Republicii str., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**National College George Cosbuc, 70-72 Avram Iancu str., RO-400000, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***3 Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, 1 Kogalniceanu str., RO-400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: tudor.ursu@icbcluj.ro

Abstract: The paper is a synthesis of the palynological studies that have addressed the age of landslides in Transylvania. We discuss the configuration of the paleo-vegetation in the respective areas, but also the probable factors, abiotic or biotic, which promoted the landslides and the relative period when they occurred in Transylvania. The analysis indicates two major periods of onset for landslides, the Pleistocene and Holocene.

Key words: Landslides, Palynological Analyses, Pleistocene, Holocene, Paleoclimate.

*Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, 700107 Kolkata, India
**Department of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, 835215 Jharkhand, India
e-mail: soma.banerjee@heritageit.edu

Abstract: Iron toxicity is an abiotic stress that comes with high concentrations of Fe2+ in the soil solution, and which is a well-recognized problem of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation in the lowlands. Rice varieties differ widely in their ability to tolerate excess iron. The present study was undertaken with four rice varieties, viz. Dhruba, Sampriti, Dhiren and Puspa. The objective was to study the influence of applied high Fe2+ concentrations on the growth, chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities on these varieties of rice. The spectral reflectivity and absorption of different chemical bonding through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the four rice varieties were also analyzed. The 7-day-old rice seedlings were treated with ferrous sulfate and subjected to 100-750 ppm for a further 14 days. Iron stress was used to analyze the morphological and biochemical responses. At the same time, the root and shoot parts were exposed to the Fourier transform infrared spectral reflection. The results indicated that the shoot growth and chlorophyll content decreased by 750 ppm in all the selected rice varieties of interest. On the contrary, the catalase activity, protein content, and lipid peroxidation increased in these varieties. However, a high amount of CAT activity in the Sampriti variety, and high amount of SOD activity in the Dhruba variety, led to a higher tolerance of iron stress, in comparison to the other two varieties studied. FTIR revealed steep band stretching of various functional groups of different compounds in both the root and shoot parts of all the varieties. The results revealed that the change of antioxidant expression and FTIR spectra were attributed to the effect of iron toxicity on rice plants.

Key words: Rice, Iron toxicity, Chlorophyll, Antioxidant, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

*Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, Physyiopathology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 4 Louis Pasteur str., RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: mtbotanica@yahoo.com

Abstract: We isolated the steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce with an efficiency of 4.50% which represents 7 fractions identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), of which 3 were furostanics and 4 spirostanics. After the acid hydrolysis of the saponins, one aglycone (sapogenine) was identified by TLC. Further, we have determined the physico-chemical and the biological properties of the isolated saponins.

Key words: Polygonatum odoratum, steroidal saponins, sapogenine

*2 Drapelului st, RO-400475 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy 23 Gh. Marinescu st., RO-400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: e-mail: bgeorgeta@umfcluj.ro

Abstract: The present article offers a synthesis of original research performed at the department of Pharmaceutical botany of "Iuliu Ha?ieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca on 17 species and varieties of essential oil-containing plants that belong to 11 genera, all Romanian traditional medicinal, endemic or ornamental species. The essential oils were qualitatively analized and quantified by TLC and GC-MS from: Tanacetum balsamita (2 varieties), Artemisia abrotanum, Rhododendron myrtifolium, Origanum vulgare, Artemisia annua, Inula helenium, Salvia officinalis, Thuja occidentalis, Acorus calamus, Achillea (4 species) and Solidago (3 species). The chemical composition of these species belonging to the Romanian flora was established, two chemical infraspecific taxa were identified within Tanacetum balsamita and Achillea distans, and toxic compounds from essential oils (beta-asarone, thujone) were quantified.

Key words: essential oils, medicinal plants, chemical infraspecific taxa.

*Joint Directorate of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and Smolny National Park, Russia
**Tyumen State University, Russia
***Mordovia State University, Russia
e-mail: hapugin88@yandex.ru

Abstract: The (re)check of the iNaturalist data related to the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia) allowed us to find 16 vascular plant species, considered to be new taxa for the vascular plant flora of this region, in comparison to Silaeva et al. (2010). These species are Nonea rossica, Erigeron strigosus, Medicago x varia, Dianthus chinensis, Symphytum x uplandicum, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, Petunia x atkinsiana, Oenothera villosa, Parthenocissus inserta, Reynoutria x bohemica, Eschscholzia californica, Quercus rubra, Digitaria sanguinalis, Lysimachia punctata, Acer ginnala and Stachys byzantina. In addition, we present new data about the distribution of the five species (Silene wolgensis, Amaranthus cruentus, Cruciata laevipes, Euphorbia cyparissias and Achillea leptophylla) found in the Republic of Mordovia since publication of Silaeva et al. (2010). A majority of the species under discussion are alien plants arrived in Mordovia accidentally or considered as cultivated plants escaping in the wild. Taking into account the newly revealed species, the vascular plant flora of the Republic of Mordovia currently includes 1464 species. In this study, we highlight again the relevance and feasibility of the use of the iNaturalist platform, as an effective tool for the study and monitoring of regional and national biodiversity.

Key words: alien species, biogeography, citizen science, cultivated species, European Russia, new species.