* Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, Departamentul de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**2 Gradina Botanica “Alexandru Borza”, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: icb@cluj.astral.ro

Abstract: The Poa granitica group includes two taxa endemic to the Carpathian Mountains, morphologically distinguishable and of disjunct distribution. The distribution of P. granitica Br.-Bl. subsp. granitica is limited to the Western Carpathians, that of P. granitica Br.-Bl. subsp. disparilis (Nyar.) Nyár. to the South-Eastern Carpathians. Both taxa are characteristic of (sub-) alpine acidophilic communities (Salicion herbaceae). The most important character for distinguishing these subspecies is the indumentum of the lemma. The main goal of this paper is to examine critically some older reports from the botanical literature regarding the presence of P. granitica Br.-Bl. subsp. granitica in the Romanian Carpathians. Also, morphological description and distributions are given for both taxa. Following a review of available herbarium material and some field surveys, we consider that the presence of P. granitica Br.-Bl. subsp. granitica is highly doubtful in the Romanian Carpathians and, consequently, this taxon should be removed from checklists of the Romanian flora.

Key words: Poa granitica group, disjunctive distribution, chorology, Romanian Carpathians

* Universitatea Transilvania, Facultatea de Silvicultura, Sirul Beethoven, nr. 1 RO-500123 Brasov, Romania
**2 Oficiul Jude?ean de Studii Pedologice si Agrochimice, Calea Feldioarei, nr. 20B, RO-500483 Brasov, Romania
e-mail: adrianindreica@unitbv.ro

Abstract: Cnidium dubium (Apiaceae), a species with ecological preferences for flooded meadows, is affected by the contraction of this habitat throughout Europe, because of the construction of dykes along rivers. In Romania too, this species is very rare and some literature data on its distribution need to be critically verified. Studies of the ecology and phytosociology of Cnidium dubium were carried out in a site on meadows of the Raul Negru (central compartment of the Brasov Depression), where a large population was identified. The affinities of the species for phytocoenoses dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa (Cnidio-Deschampsietum association) and developed on soils rich in uninflatable clay (pelosol) are quite obvious. The meadows of Cnidium dubium and Deschampsia cespitosa are located especially in the north-eastern part of Central Europe, but in Romania they had not been reported until now. In Romania, as well as in the Brasov Depression, another phytocoenosis of the association is reported from the Ciuc Depression, in the Olt floodplain.

Key words: Cnidium dubium, Cnidio-Deschampsietum, priority habitats, meadow vegetation

Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, str. Clinicilor, nr. 5-7, RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: arina5744@yahoo.com

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to analyze some aspects of the population biology of Ophrys sphegodes near the locality of Tinaud, Bihor region. This population was first mentioned, and documented with herbarium specimens, by Dr Gh. Coldea in 1968, but not studied since. This is the only description of Ophrys sphegodes known so far from Romania. Our study aimed to estimate population size and density, the analysis of individual orchids association, the correlation of the morphological parts of the plants, the percentage of plants visited or pollinated by the co-evolved species Andrena nigroaenea and the associations with other plant species. The results were analysed for two distinct groups of the population distributed on separate surfaces with different ecological factors and anthropological influences. This allowed us to study also the effects of different management methods on the population. It was shown that there are clear differences between the two groups as concerning their number and density as well as flower morphology and the efficiency of pollination. This differentiation is caused by both ecological and anthropogenic factors. This study should be further developed with the goal of implementing protection measures for this rare and evolutionarily most interesting terrestrial orchid.

Key words: co-evolution, conservation, flower visitation rate, human impact, Ophrys sphegodes, pollination, population biology

Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Via Pontoni 5, I-62032 CAMERINO, Italia
e-mail: sandro.ballelli@unicam.it
franco.pedrotti@unicam.it

Abstract: The present work lists the exotic species of the Marche Region (central Italy) and examines their distribution in the context of the main types of natural vegetation. The Marche Region extends from sea level (Adriatic Sea) to the peak of Monte Vettore, 2.476 m. To date, 349 exotic taxa have been reported in this region. The flora of the Marche Region comprises about 2.750 species, 12.7% of which are exotic. The majority are distributed in anthropogenic environments, but in certain cases they are found in some types of natural vegetation, thus lowering the degree of naturalness of these environments.

Key words: exotic species, Marche Region, naturalness of vegetation

Universita degli Studi di Camerino, Via Pontoni, 5, 62032 Camerino (Mc). Italia
e-mail: cianfaglione@tiscali.it

Abstract: The bottom of the Sulmona basin, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), also known as Valle Peligna, is characterized by calcareous and argillaceous fluvial-lacustrine deposits. The bottom of the basin is almost completely cultivated and built-up, but still there are a few strips of azonal natural vegetation formed by riparian vegetation with the Salicetum albae and Aro italici-Alnetum glutinosae associations and marshy vegetation with the Carici ripariae-Alnetum glutinosae association. Three vegetation series can be identified: the marshy series of Alnus glutinosa, which is composed of Carici ripariae-Alnetum glutinosae and Galio palustris-Caricetum ripariae; the riparian series of Alnus glutinosa, composed of Aro italici-Alnetum glutinosae and, in addition, by the following associations of wet meadows: Valeriano-Filipenduletum, Epilobio hirsuti-Filipenduletum and Lysimachio-Filipenduletum; riparian series of Salix alba (composed of Salicetum albae). The marshy woods of the Sulmona basin are residual woods of great phytogeographical interest, undergoing continual and progressive anthropogenic degradation, and thus worthy of protection.

Key words: anthropogenic disturbance, black alder carr, residual woods, riparian forest vegetation, syntaxonomic classification, vegetation series, wet meadows

Fundatia Adept, c/o Boite 6, 385 Avenue Louise, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
e-mail: llanllawddog@gmail.com

Abstract: Romania has some of the most diverse and extensive lowland grassland habitat resources surviving in Europe maintained by traditional farming practices. A key issue for future conservation of these grasslands is an understanding of their status and whether they are being maintained in good condition or are being damaged. We have been developing wildflower indicators for sensitivity to changes in grassland status in terms of land-use, in particular to nitrogenous fertilizer inputs and over or under grazing. However, another aspect of potential significance for grassland conservation is habitat fragmentation and this may be more difficult to measure through indicators. Studies round the world of the effects of fragmentation on habitat have examined fauna, including butterflies and birds, which tend to be more sensitive to short term changes in habitat quality and availability than plants. We are looking at a suite of plants which may be associated with large open landscapes and non-intensive land-use which could disappear if fragmentation occurs, an early warning which will inform us of the need to develop and implement habitat management strategies as a solution. In another study, we are identifying localized areas of very high grassland diversity that occur in the project area and we describe the distribution and ecology of these botanical ‘hotspots’.

Key words: grasslands, ecology, indicators, management, agri-environment, conservation

* Universitatea din Bucuresti, Facultatea de Biologie, Aleea Portocalelor, nr. 1-3, RO-060104 Bucuresti, Romania
**Universitatea “Al. I. Cuza”, Gradina Botanica “A. Fatu”, str. Dumbrava Rosie, nr. 7-9, RO-700487 Iasi, Romania
e-mail: agbr_sarbu@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study presents high botanical value dry grasslands (vegetation type and richness of rare plants) in Dobrogea, Romania. Two sites (Coroana and Vân?tori) in the south-east of Dobrogea, which have been identified, evaluated and proposed for inclusion in the European network of IPAs (Important Plant Areas), hold hill limestone steppe grasslands (Habitats Directive – 62CO) and 35 taxa rare in the Romanian Flora. The ‘tie breaking’ of the diagnostic grass species at the alliance level (Festuca valesiaca and Festuca callieri) relied on the use of structural analyses of the leaf.

Key words: dry grasslands, rare plants, conservation hotspots, grass-leaf structure

* Administratia Parcului Natural Muntii Maramuresului, str. 22 Decembrie, nr. 20, RO-435700 Viseu de Sus, Romania
**Universitatea Babes–Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj–Napoca, Romania
e-mail: oanadanci@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper proposes to establish a synthesis of research, protection measures and regeneration initiatives for mountain pine (a priority EU habitat type, 4070* - Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron myrtifolium) from inside the Maramures Mountains Nature Park, and also to depict the distribution of this vegetation in the area. Viewing these communities on a historical scale, we can observe pressure on them in the early 19th century, with a peak in the sixth and seventh decades of the last century, so their range in the area studied was reduced in the 20th century by about 40–50%. It is interesting to note that preservation of mountain pine habitats in the Maramures Mountains was then strictly related to the protection of black grouse in its favoured habitat type. Underlining previous contributions related to structure, functions and regeneration possibilities we would like to argue the necessity to continue them and develop new ones from the perspective of principles and methods of monitoring and ecological management. The distribution map of these habitat types (Fig. 1) shows the high degree of fragmentation of the approximately 2,400 ha surviving, which supports ecological reconstruction projects, such as that started in 2008 in Ruscova Forest Department. All the elements combined in this paper will be the basis for improving the two monitoring protocols realized and eventually for the improvement of the management plan of the Nature Park.

Key words: Pinus mugo, mountain pine habitat, Maramures Mountains Nature Park

* Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
** Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***CFMCB, str. Iancu de Hunedoara, nr. 12, RO-400696 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: popanamaria19@yahoo.com

Abstract: We studied gold mining waste dumps in Rosia Montana (South-eastern Carpathians) that had similar environmental conditions and management histories but different ages due to successive cessation times of mining activities. A cronosequence for four waste dumps was included in the study: WD2, ~ 2 yrs old; WD20, 20–25 yrs old; WD4, 38–45 yrs old; and WD60, ~ 60 yrs old. At each waste dump we recorded all vascular plant species within 5 randomly placed 1 m2 quadrats. Our hypothesis is that these waste dumps represent distinct seral stages, in terms of total species richness, overall plant composition and relative number of species in various plant functional groups distinguished on the basis of pollen and seed dispersal mode, N-fixing and vegetative lateral spread. We analysed the difference in these parameters between waste dumps of different ages. Floristically, WD2 is well separated from WD20; WD20 is obscure but clearly different from WD40; and WD40 is well separated of WD60. One ruderal species (Tussilago farfara) and one dwarf shrub (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are the best discriminators of WD2 and WD60, respectively. The total number of plant species increased steadily and significantly from WD2 to WD40 but declined on WD60. Significant changes in the relative number of species from each plant functional group were detected between at least two sites along the waste dump cronosequence. Whereas the relative richness of plant functional groups related to pollen/seed dispersal mode do not indicate a succession progress on WD60 as compared with the younger ones, the proportion of N-fixing species and the distribution of total species richness suggest a mid-successional stage associated with the oldest waste dump. This inconsistency may be a sampling effect (small number and size of quadrats) or the consequence of small, recent disturbances.

Key words: cronosequence, floristic dissimilarity, gold mining waste dumps, plant functional groups, seral stages, species richness, succession

Institute of Ecology and Geography, 1, Academy str., Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
e-mail: adambegu@gmail.com

Abstract: Currently, the lichen flora of the Republic of Moldova comprises c. 200 species and varieties, of which 22 species are reported nationally for the first time and 40 species are recommended as reliable indicators. The paper presents a Lichens Toxi-tolerance Scale (LTS) towards SO2 concentration in the air. An air quality assessment scale with 6 gradations (further referred to as AQAS) is proposed, taking into account the specific diversity, abundance and indicator species toxi-tolerance. The proposed scale has been applied to 62 forest ecosystems. The paper also presents a comparative analysis of the application of AQAS towards EMEP data for the Republic of Moldova.

Key words: lichens, new species, forest ecosystems, lichen indicator, air pollution, SO2 emissions, toxi-tolerance, abundance, evaluation criteria, European programme EMEP, environmental monitoring.

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

Abstract: The golden-brown Synurophyceae (phylum Chromophyta) are exclusively silica-scaled, single-celled or colonial heterokont flagellates, with two families – Synuraceae and Mallomonadaceae. Both flagella are anteriorly inserted, with almost parallel bases, a longer pleuronematic flagellum, and a shorter smooth one, the latter often vestigial. The green pigments are chlorophylls a and c1, the major carotenoid being fucoxanthin. Their survival stages are siliceous, endogenous stomatocysts. Synurophyceae are characterized by external cell armour consisting of bilaterally symmetrical silica scales and sometimes also bristles (Mallomonas). Synurophyceae occur almost exclusively in freshwater plankton, being widely distributed all over the world. Not all the species are ubiquitous or cosmopolitan as formerly believed; on the contrary, some require well-defined environmental conditions (e.g. Synura sphagnicola and Mallomonas paludosa are low pH forms; Synura uvella, S. petersenii, Mallomonas acaroides, M. elongata, M. alpina are high pH forms; many others are circumneutral). Their preference towards temperature is also specific; most of them seem to be microthermal, occurring in spring and autumn, and others develop rich summer water blooms (Synura petersenii, M. elongata). Synurophyceae exhibit different distribution patterns; some are cosmopolitan, others are restricted to tropical regions, several have bipolar distribution, many are characteristic for the arctic-northern temperate zone, and some are considered endemic (M. intermedia var. saliceaensis). Silica-scaled chrysophyte populations occur mostly in spring and autumn, and belong to a given planktonic algal assemblage – “phytoplankton association” or “functional group” (cf. Reynolds). The structure of such Synurophyceae–containing phytoplankton association groups depends on the physico-chemical and biotic conditions of the habitat (temperature, light, pH, nutrients, macrophytes, zooplankton, etc.) and on the seasonal dynamics of the plankton. Therefore, it is evident that the maintenance of silica-scaled chrysophytes is possible only in self-regulating populations within natural biocoenoses, or within those less disturbed by human activities. The presence of such biocoenoses, lakes, ponds and bogs, including raised peat bogs, with outstanding Synurophyceae assemblages has been documented by the present authors in ‘Mestecanisu de la Reci’ (Covasna County) and near the village of Salicea (Cluj County), as well as in the Eastern and Southern Carpathians.

Key words: Synurophyceae, Mallomonas, Synura, ecology, biogeography, biodiversity conservation proposals

* UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Facultatea de Farmacie, str. Ion Creanga, nr. 12, RO-400023 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: mtbotanica@yahoo.com

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the total polyphenol and flavonoid content in six Epilobium species from the wild flora of Transylvania (E. hirsutum, E. parviflorum, E. montanum, E. palustre, E. alsinifolium, E. nutans), Chamerion angustifolium, and in vitro regenerated plantlets of E. hirsutum (Onagraceae). All samples contain high concentrations of these active principles (9.19–17.15% polyphenols and 1.9–4.3% flavonoids in the species from wild flora, and 11.11–19.35% total polyphenols in plantlets). The flavonoid content is about 25% of total polyphenols in the indigenous species, whereas in in vitro regenerated plantlets it is less then 0.01%. The absence of UV-B radiation in the neon tube light could explain lack of biosynthesis of flavonoids in the plantlets.

Key words: Epilobium spp., polyphenols, flavonoids, in vitro regenerated plantlets

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42. RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Gradina Botanica “Alexandru Borza”, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara, Calea-Manastur, nr. 3-5, RO-400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: mparvucluj@yahoo.com

Abstract: A hydroalcoholic extract of Allium fistulosum was tested for in vitro germination and growth of phytopathogenic fungi (Apergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Botrytis paeoniae, Penicillium gladioli, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) on Czapek-agar nutritive medium, compared to Fluconazole and allicin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extract varied between 80 µl/ml and 100 µl/ml, according to the fungal species.

Key words: agar-dilution assay, allicin, Allium fistulosum, antifungal activity, Fluconazole, in vitro, MIC, phytopathogenic fungi, plant extract, repercolation

* Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
** Universitatea “Babes-Bolyai”, Facultatea de Geologie, str. Mihail Kogalniceanu, nr. 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Universitatea Stefan cel Mare, str. Universitatii, nr. 9, RO-720225 Suceava, Romania
e-mail: icb@cluj.astral.ro

Abstract: This paper presents the results obtained through palynological analysis of a core sequence from the Cristina glacial cirque (Latitude 47°50'07''N, Longitude 24º37'07''E, altitude 1573 m). It is a relatively short sequence, reaching 300 cm in depth, but the first 145 cm could not be taken, as it consisted of wet and very loose peat. Three C14 datings performed on samples taken from the analyzed sequence, at the Radiocarbon Laboratory in Poznan, Poland, have provided the following ages: Cr 250 - 6190 ± 40 BP; Cr 265 - 5200 ± 50 BP; Cr 300 - 7150 ± 40 BP. For the basal sample of the sequence the dating assigns an Atlantic age. Pollen spectrum analysis from the depth of 150 cm, not yet dated, suggests a Sub-Atlantic age, through the presence of beech and fir pollen.

Key words: Maramures Mountains, Natura 2000 site, glacial cirque, peat bog, palynology, Holocene

* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Geologie, str. M. Kogalniceanu, nr. 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**IMEP, Universite Paul Cezanne (Aix-Marseille III), Europole Mediterraneen de l’Arbois, France
***Institutul de Cercetari Biologice, str. Republicii, nr. 48, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: itantau@bioge.ubbcluj.ro

Abstract: Pollen analysis from a peat core 4.30 m in length, taken from a bog near Arpasu in a low-altitude area of the southern part of Transylvania, is used to reconstruct the Late Glacial vegetation history of the region. The vegetation record from Arpa?u starts during the Late Glacial Interstadial, being characterized by open arboreal vegetation dominated by Pinus. The vegetation from the last interstadial phase of the Late Glacial (Allerod) appears as a mosaic of bogland and wooded meadows with Pinus, Picea and Betula. The arboreal vegetation was strongly affected by the cooling of the Younger Dryas period, and a strong decrease in the percentage of Pinus pollen was observed.

Key words: Pollen analysis, vegetation history, forest dynamics, Late Glacial, Fagaras Depression, Transylvania, Romania.