SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA FACULTY OF HORTICULTURE DOCTORAL SCHOOL OF ANIMAL & RESOURCE ENGINEERING

Dipl Eng. SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA

ABSTRACT OF PhD THESIS

MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – A SPECIES OF INTEREST FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND FRUIT SCIENCE AND THE NEED TO EXTEND IT IN CULTURE

SCIENTIFIC SUPERVISOR Prof. Univ. dr. SINA NICULINA COSMULESCU

CRAIOVA

2020

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

ABSTRACT

Mespilus germanica L., known as medlar, is a fruit tree that belongs to family and Mespilus genus, and in Romania it grows both in spontaneous flora and in cultivated state in the gardens around the houses. Medlar has a special ornamental value, being a point of attraction throughout the year, even during the dormant period. Medlar has all the characteristics found in ornamental , in addition it is a useful plant, it produces fruits. The fruits have ornamental value, due to the less common appearance compared to other fruit species, in terms of shape, size, colour, as well as food and therapeutic importance (fruits contain sugars, phenolic compounds, organic acids, tannins) being consumed in fresh state, and also processed under different forms. The innovative aspect of the thesis consists in identifying and selecting some medlar genotypes, their characterization in terms of fruit-tree science and landscape design, and also the propagation of the valuable ones and their introduction in culture. Medlar offers the possibility to develop businesses by delivering to consumers a lesser known fruit, used in both food and natural medicine. The PhD thesis titled "Mespilus germanica L. - A species of interest for landscape design and fruit tree science, and the need to extend it in culture" has the following objectives (described in Chapter IV): Objective 1. Identification, evaluation and characterization of some genotypes of Mespilus germanica L. from the southwestern part of Romania; Objective 2. Morphological and ornamental characteristics of medlar; Objective 3. Capitalizing on diversity through the use of selections in culture. The PhD thesis contains 235 pages and is divided into 7 chapters to which are added the introduction, bibliography, abstract in Romanian and English and annex. In the thesis were consulted 216 bibliographic sources, including books, scientific papers and websites. The processed data were organized into 34 tables, 78 original figures and photographs and 9 photographs processed from bibliographic sources.

Part I (Current state of knowledge) is represented by three chapters presenting aspects regarding the origin, role, importance and spread of Mespilus germanica L. species, the current stage of research on exploration and capitalization of medlar and the characteristics of medlar’s growth and fruit-setting. SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

Chapter I highlights the origin and role of Mespilus germanica L. species, emphasizing the importance of culture, food, therapeutic, commercial importance and last but not least the culture of medlar, worldwide and in Romania. Chapter II discusses numerous studies and research on the exploration and capitalization of medlar's biodiversity as well as its genetic improvement, and also cultivars worldwide and in Romania. Chapter III provides information on the characteristics of growth and fruiting, floral biology, propagation of medlar and its cultivation technology. Part II (Personal Contributions) is structured in four chapters starting with the aim and objectives of the research, the biological material and the research methods, results and discussions, and conclusions. In Chapter V the biological material and research methods are described. Biological material is represented by a number of 16 medlar genotypes aged between 4 - 70 years, coded with letters and numbers, the letter representing the initial of locality where they were identified, and the figure is the genotype number from the respective locality, as follows: Mătăsari - M1, M2, M3, Croici – Cr1, Cr2, Strâmba-Jiu - S1, S2, Ezeriș - E1, Turnu Ruieni - T1, Craiova - C1, C2, Nanov - N1, Drăgășani - D1, Bala - B1, Ștefănești - Șt1, Bârsești - Bâ1. The identified genotypes are on their own roots. The observations were conducted over three consecutive years (2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020). To achieve the research objectives, specific methods were used for each stage of study, as follows: • methods for exploring, identifying and locating genotypes; • methods for phenotypic characterization of genotypes; • methods for recording phenological phases; • methods for morphological characterization of fruits; • methods for biochemical characterization of fruits; • methods for grafting of selected genotypes; • methods for statistical data analysis. The location identification of genotypes studied was made using the Google Maps application, by identifying the geographical coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude). For phenotypical characterization of genotypes, determinations were made on pomological characteristics of the studied genotypes, regarding: plant habitus according to the method described by COSMULESCU (2014), main stems, growths on stem, canopy shape according to

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

the method described by DUMITRAȘ et al. (2008). Determinations were made regarding growth characteristics, trunk diameter (m), canopy circumference (at a distance of 1 m from the ground), tree height (m) and approximate age of genotypes (years). Phenological observations were recorded weekly (sometimes at intervals of 3-5 days), establishing the calendar dates when the main milestones were recorded. Six main growth stages were described for bud development, leaves, inflorescence appearance, flowering, fruit development and fruit ripening, according to the methodology described by ATAY (2013). For the morphological characterization of the fruits, determinations were performed on 50 fruits from each identified genotype, following up: fruit weight, seed weight, pulp weight, pulp percentage, fruit volume and density, fruit diameter and height. The shape and shape index of the fruits was also calculated, adapting the method of ANGHEL et al. (1963) to medlar. For the biochemical characterization of fruits, the total dry matter (SUT) was determined using the method described by NOUR (1998), the results obtained being expressed in percentages (%); soluble dry matter (SUS) using the digital refractometer, and the results were expressed as a percentage; titratable acidity using the method described by IONICĂ (2014). The organic acid content was also determined using HPLC analysis, fruit and leaf color using the CIEL*a*b* system. Propagation of genotypes was done by grafting, using the quince rootstock BN-70. The propagation method was grafting in the growing eye, the period of application corresponds to the 11-20 of April, when the sap circulates and the bark detaches easily from the wood, at a distance of 10-15 cm above the ground. In medlar seeds, determination of size (with Klass150 mm digital model calliper; accuracy 0.01 mm), penetration force (with Lloyd Instrument universal mechanical testing machine, with Nexygen specialised software) and X-ray radiography were performed on the seed seeds. ImageJ, image processing and analysis program, was used to determine the morphometric characteristics of leaves (dimensions, surface of limbus) and medlar flowers. The data obtained from determinations were statistically processed, calculating the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, amplitude of variation (maximum and minimum, respectively), variation coefficient for each characteristic, correlation coefficient, using the Data Analysis option in Microsoft Office Excel. SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

Chapter VI presents the results of the research according to the established objectives, and Chapter VII, the conclusions that outline the results obtained. Objective 1. Identification, evaluation and characterization of some genotypes of Mespilus germanica L. from the south-western area of Romania In the southwestern part of Romania, especially in the counties of Dolj, Gorj, Vâlcea, Mehedinți, Teleorman, Caraş-Severin, a number of 16 genotypes considered valuable for their fruits were identified, located and evaluated: M1, M2, M3 (Mătăsari), Cr1, Cr2 (Croici), S1, S2 (Strâmba-Jiu), E1 (Ezeriș), T1 (Turnu-Ruieni), C1, C2 (Craiova), N1 (Nanov), D1 (Drăgășani), B1 (Bala), Șt1 (Ștefănești), Bâ1 (Bârsești). The genotypes in the research area are located in forests, hills, on uncultivated agricultural land and in the gardens around the houses. Regarding the ecological factors, we consider that the southwestern area of Romania is favourable to medlar culture also due to the fact that Mespilus germanica L. is a less demanding species in terms of ecological factors. Regarding the evaluation of growth elements of selected genotypes, it was found that they show a great variability. According to habitus, the identified genotypes are divided into two groups, namely: the group of themselves, which is characterized by a single main stem (C1, C2, N1, E1, T1, M3, Șt1, Bâ1) and the group of , which is characterized by the presence of 2 to 8 main stems starting from the collar area (D1, B1 with 2 main stems, M1 with 6 main stems, S1, Cr2 with 7 main stems and M2, S2, Cr1 with 8 main stems) (SCRIECIU and COSMULESCU, 2019). The selected genotypes reflect the adaptation of medlar to local climatic conditions, they respond well to ecological characteristics of the area, which is a very important advantage for medlar culture. It is important that these identified genotypes be considered and evaluated in detail for breeding and culture studies. Regarding the evaluation and development of vegetation phenophases In recent decades, understanding plant phenology has played an important role in plant cultivation technology in the context of climate changes. Vegetation stages of fruit trees have main economic importance because they have a direct impact on fruit production. The study of vegetation phenophases helps, at the same time, to identifying the decoration period starting from flowering, leafing and fruit-setting and is important for the successful implementation of management practices of technological works.

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

Starting from the obtained results, it can be concluded that the main phenophases of vegetation in medlar, in the S-W area of Romania, are as follows: - budding: the 21-30 of March - beginning of April; - the appearance of inflorescence: in April (09-21 April); - full flowering: the 21-30 of April - early May; - end of flowering period: the 21-30 of April and during month of May; - young fruit: the 11-20 and 21-30 of May - early June; - start the ripening stage: the 11-20 of September and during month of October; - harvest maturity: the 21-30 of October - during month of November. Depending on genotype, there are variations in the dates when vegetative and fruiting phenophases were registered, over the three years of vegetation. The differences between genotypes, in terms of development of certain phenophases, are normal, given that they are not in the same culture area, so the environmental factors are different. BBCH scale used to record vegetation phases has advantages over other coding systems, in particular because it more accurately describes the morphological characteristics at each growth stage. Therefore, the use of BBCH scale to describe vegetation stages in Mespilus germanica L. genotypes is important for successful implementation of orchard management practices and in research. Knowledge of vegetation phenophases could improve fruit quality, providing information on crop evolution, disease and pest management, irrigation, fertilizer effectiveness under environmental conditions in Romania. Regarding the evaluation of morphological characteristics of fruits between genotypes Due to its fruits, medlar has gained a special value in human consumption and a commercial importance in recent years, attracting attention through physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics of fruits. There are in spontaneous and semi-cultivated flora a multitude of genotypes with superior characteristics of fruits. The results obtained, in terms of morphological characteristics of fruit, which continues to be the first step for description, classification and selection of genetic resources, do indicate large variations in weight, diameter and volume of fruit, between the genotypes analyzed. The weight of fruit on the stem is an important feature in the selection of new genotypes. For this characteristic, the C2 genotype stands out, with an average weight, over the three years analysed, of 39.51 g, the T1 genotype (27.16 g) and the C1 genotype (27.13 SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

g). Following the results obtained, it was found that the weight of fruits in the analyzed genotypes registered significant variations, depending on climatic year. Of note is the C2 genotype, which, regardless of climatic year, recorded the highest average value of fruit weight. Also, the lowest average values of fruit weight were calculated for B1genotype, regardless of climatic year, so we can also talk about the influence of genotype on this characteristic of fruits, but the variations from one year to another, within the genotype can be attributed to climatic factors (COSMULESCU and SCRIECIU, 2020). Diameter of fruit on the stem is a very important quality element. In general, the variation coefficient calculated for fruit diameter had very low values, which indicates a high uniformity of fruits within the genotypes for this characteristic. In analysing the obtained results it can be seen that the variations of fruit diameter within the same genotype, depending on the climatic year, are quite low, but they are larger from one genotype to another, regardless of climatic year, so it can be concluded that genotype influences the fruit diameter to a greater extent than climatic conditions. The average volume of medlar fruits varied within very wide range, between medlar genotypes, being influenced by fruit diameter. The average volume of medlar fruits varied within very wide range, between the medlar genotypes identified, thus registering values between 3.98 cmᶾ (Bâ1) and 38.75 cmᶾ (C2), ie a difference of 9.73 times between those two genotypes. Regarding the average values obtained for shape index of medlar fruits, the lowest value for this characteristic was recorded in Șt1 genotype (0.85), while the highest average value for shape index was 1.05 to the genotypes identified in Mătăsari area (M1 and M3). The identified genotypes have spherical, flattened and elongated shape fruits. Regarding the variability of physical characteristics of some medlar genotypes depending on climatic year Regarding the average weight of medlar fruits, there were large differences in genotype from one year to another. The highest value of fruit weight in C1 genotype was recorded in 2018 (32.65 g), compared to 2017 and 2019 when the fruit weight was 21.55 g and 27.20 g. The differences recorded within the same genotype, from one year to another, is explained by the fact that climatic conditions significantly influence the fruit weight. Fruit diameter is considered a very important quality element for medlar fruits, thus, the lowest value of fruit diameter over the three years of study was registered in M1genotype (18.43 mm, 24.31 mm, respectively 17.98 mm), and the highest value of fruit

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

diameter was in T1 genotype (44.15 mm) in 2017, and in C1genotype (41.82 mm, 40.24 mm) in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The average volume of medlar fruits varied within very wide range, between 4.38 cmᶾ (M1) and 37.18 cmᶾ (T1), resulting in a difference of 8.48 times between the two genotypes in 2017, between 6.82 cmᶾ (M1) and 31.82 cmᶾ (C1), with a difference of 4.66 times between the two genotypes in 2018, and between 3.92 cmᶾ (M1) and 28.60 cmᶾ (C1), with a difference of 7.29 times between the two genotypes in 2019. For fruit density (ρ), the average value was between 0.76 (M1) - 1.04 g/cm³ (N1) in 2017, between 0.96 (E1) - 1.10 g/cm³ (M1) in 2018 and between 0.82 (M1) - 1.03 g/cm³ (T1) in 2019. The variation coefficient recorded values between 1.11% for N1 genotype and 20.31% for M1 genotype. The variation range for the average fruit height were between 14.93 mm (M1) in 2018 and 41.43 mm (E1) in 2019. The highest value of the variation coefficient for the average fruit height (4, 07%) was calculated for M1 genotype. To identify the distribution of measured values for fruit weight and volume, the histogram was used according to the identified genotypes, according to climatic year, and the results obtained showed that, regardless of climatic year, 50% of selected genotypes had fruits whose average weight was over 21g, and a fruit volume of over 20 cm3. In order to establish the connection between 2 studied variables, the correlation coefficients between physical characteristics of fruits were calculated. They confirm the relationship between physical characteristics of medlar fruits. Also, the high correlation coefficient obtained between the diameter of fruit and the volume of fruit shows that the volume is largely influenced by fruit diameter. A low correlation coefficient was obtained between fruit density and the other fruit parameters. The lower values indicate that the density does not depend on fruit size and is influenced by other factors (degree of ripeness, fruit production, agrotechnical factors, etc.). It can be concluded that the large variations of fruit characteristics in the studied medlar genotypes indicate a high potential that can be used for introduction into culture and also for new cultivars development. The C2, C1 and T1 genotypes were noted as promising in terms of physical characteristics of fruits in order to develop new cultivars. Determining the physical and chemical characteristics of fruit is a very important step in terms of qualitative and quantitative assessment of production and indicates the orientation of fruit capitalization. SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

Regarding the evaluation of the biochemical characteristics of fruits In order to determine the fruits quality from genotypes of Mespilus germanica L. identified in the south-western part of Romania, chemical analyses were performed covering the total dry matter, soluble dry matter, titratable acidity, organic acids and pH. fruit. Variations in biochemical characteristics were found. The values obtained for total dry matter varied between 30.62 (%) and 33.86%. Regarding the average value for soluble dry matter, it had values between 11.83% and 21.64%. Titratable acidity has recorded average values between 3.51 g malic acid/100 g sp and 4.60 g malic acid/100 g sp. The values recorded for total dry matter, titratable acidity and soluble dry matter in medlar fruits could be the result of different genetically determined characteristics, and also the effect of agro-ecological cultivation conditions (COSMULESCU and SCRIECIU, 2020). Knowledge of quantitative distribution of organic acids is of vital importance for assessing food quality. Determinations of organic acid content of selected medlar genotypes (Mespilus germanica L.) showed that medlar fruits are very rich sources of bioactive compounds, such as organic acids, bioactive components of medlar fruits, their characterization and their use in functional foods, but also the evaluation for human health being among the main objectives of current time research. Analyzing the average of the seven acids identified in the medlar fruits (malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, fumaric, oxalic and succinic acid), it was found that the malic acid was in the highest amount (415.08 mg/100g), followed by tartaric acid (111.57 mg/100g), and ascorbic acid (0.7 mg/100g) was identified in the lowest amount. Citric acid and fumaric acid have indicated an insignificant difference between genotypes. The evaluation of organic acid content, using the HPLC method, contributes to the identification and quantification of main organic acids in the ripe fruit, recording high values in terms of malic acid and tartaric acid (COSMULESCU et al., 2020a). Regarding the pH of medlar fruits, the results indicated an acid pH in all genotypes analyzed, with values between 3.77 (Cr1) and 5.1 (M3) (COSMULESCU et al., 2020b).

Objective 2. Morphological and ornamental characteristics of medlar Regarding the morphological characteristics of the identified medlar genotypes Medlar is a fruit species with edible fruits that grows in the form of a small vigour tree or arbustoid tree, with an irregular canopy and large, elliptical or oblong leaves, with

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

serrated or almost entire edges. According to habitus, medlar grows in the form of a tree represented by a single trunk, but also as an arbustoid with several stems, in the form of a bush (SCRIECIU and COSMULESCU, 2019). The trunk is short, twisted, with matte grey bark, with shallow cracks, reddish wood, with medullary spots, hard, compact, resistant to abrasion. Medlar canopy, in its natural form, is globular, pyramidal or reversely pyramidal. The buds on the shoots, at the underside of the leaves are relatively small, conical, with the tip away from the branch and the scales coloured in grey, covered with a pubescence, so that some of the buds are vegetative and others are mixed flower-bearing. The leaf is a very important decorative element, characterized by size, shape, colour, abundance and persistence. In medlar, the leaves are large, alternate, short petiolate, elliptical elongated to lanceolate, short acuminate, with entire edges, pubescent on the underside. The results obtained on the characteristics of leaf show a great variability between the analyzed genotypes, which is in accordance with the literature. Depending on this characteristic, medlar genotypes can be grouped as follows: with large leaves (over 40 cm2; N1, C2 genotype), with medium leaves (30-40 cm2; M1, M2, M3, D1, B1 genotype) and small (less than 30 cm2; C1, T1, E1, Cr1, Cr2, Bâ1, S1, S2, Șt1 genotype). The image segmentation method using the ImageJ program, used to determine the morphological characteristics of the leaves, is a good, non-destructive model for quickly and safely estimating the surface area of medlar leaves, and the information obtained can be used in physiology studies, regardless of genetic material. (COSMULESCU et al., 2020c). Medlar has complete flowers, consisting of calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium. The flower is organized on type 5. The sepals have triangular shape and are longer than the petals, make up the calyx, they are arranged in two rows, 5 sepals in each row. Diameter of medlar flowers had quite close average values between the identified genotypes, obtaining values for the large diameter between 3.78 cm for the C1 genotype and 3.29 cm in M3. The fruits of medlar have a lot of morphological characteristics that give them ornamental, commercial, economic and food value. The fruit shape is very variable in medlar species. Medlar fruits can have a spherical, flattened and elongated shape, all of which are cultivar’s characters and an important element for pomological classification. SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

In analysing the results, it shows that all selected medlar genotypes have a pulp percentage of over 70%, the lowest value for this characteristic being calculated for B1 genotype, respectively, a pulp percentage of 72.11%. Medlar seeds are reddish brown. In a side view, the seeds have an almost triangular shape. All genotypes analyzed had a seed weight of less than 3 g, with variation limits ranging from 1.12 g in M1 genotype and 2.76 g in C2 genotype. KALYONCU et al. (2013) reported an average value of medlar seed percentage of 7.11%. In order to determine the characteristics of seeds and the hardness of endocarp, measurements were made on seed size and penetration force of endocarp before and after blasting on dry and wet seeds. Regarding the penetrating force of seed endocarp, it was achieved in two areas, namely: (*1) in the overgrown area of medlar seed, (*2) in two areas bilaterally symmetrical to the outgrowth. For the dry sample, the penetration force before blasting (in zone *1) showed an average value of 48.56 N. After blasting the seed for the penetration force, the average value of 37.54 N was obtained, being 11.02 N less than the initial penetration force. For the moistened sample, the penetration force in zone *1 was 37.17N, lower than in the case of dried seeds by 11.39N. After blasting, for wet seeds, the penetration force had an average value of 31.99 N, 5.18 N less than for seeds that were not subjected to blasting process. The average value for the initial penetration force in zone *2, for the dry sample, was 34.54 N, and after blasting, the penetration force had the average value of 27.37N. For the wetted sample, the initial penetration force had an average value of 28.94 N, a low coefficient of variation (3.22%), and after blasting the average value was 25.14 N, with 3.8 N lower than the initial penetration force. The production of 2D and 3D radiographs did not lead to clear images of medlar seed components due to the hardness of its endocarp. 2D and 3D imaging with contrast substance (potassium iodide solution, 50% concentration) solved this problem, while highlighting the viability of seeds exposed to X-rays (the embryo is clearly visible, without structural changes). 2D and 3D imaging prove to be simple techniques with a relatively short duration of use which are used in order to verify the viability of seeds with a long germination period. Regarding the ornamental characteristics of the identified medlar genotypes From the ornamental point of view, medlar is of special importance, it is a rustic species, being also very long-lived. Medlar decorates through the appearance, leaves,

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

flowers and fruits. The culture of medlar deserves to be extended, at least in the gardens next to the houses, because it is a species that does not require special maintenance, is not demanding in terms of climate and soil, is resistant to both frost and drought and diseases and pests. One of the ornamental characteristics of medlar its appearance (habitus). It grows in the form of a small vigour tree or arbustoid (4-6 m tall), with an irregular canopy and large leaves. The height of plants has a role in arranging the green spaces in terms of location and combination of the species. Large size trees are recommended for alignments or large areas of green space. The shape and thickness of canopy in Mespilus germanica L. species is pyramidal - ovoidal (table 6.4) and is recommended for masking some less aesthetic objectives or areas. Depending on the shape, size and arrangement of branches, medlar has a compact canopy with thick foliage. Regarding the canopy shape in the identified medlar genotypes, based on the ratio between the canopy height and diameter, 6 of the identified genotypes (M1, M2, S1, E1, T1, Bâ1) have a pyramidal shape and 10 genotypes (M3, D1, S2, C1, C2, N1, Cr1, Cr2, B1, Șt1) have the shape of an ovoidal canopy. Colour of branches is also a special decorative element. Medlar is distinguished by the grey colour of skeletal branches, which are thick, long, support the other types of branches, give the shape of canopy and are kept throughout the life of the tree, so their vigour is correlated with the vigour of trees. Colour of bark is a decorative element that stands out especially during the dormant period of the species (winter). Medlar also decorates with its leaves. It has leaves with an elliptical elongated to lanceolate shape, with entire edges, being arranged alternately, dark green, pubescent on the underside (ANGHEL și colab., 1963). The colour of leaves is a decorative element of prime importance in arranging green spaces. To evaluate the colour of leaves, the brightness and colour components were measured. For leaf brightness (L*), the lowest value was obtained in B1genotype (21.99), and the highest value was 45.44 in Cr2 genotype. Regarding the a* parameter for the leaves colour, positive values as well as negative values were registered, thus indicating the presence of red component, but also of green component. Positive values for a* and b* indicate a leaf colour in the range of red - orange - yellow in 9 of the genotypes studied, while negative values for a* and positive for b* indicate a leaf colour in the range yellow - greenish yellow - green in 6 of the analyzed genotypes. The highest values of leaf colour SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

intensity (C*) were noted in the Cr2 (19.85) and S1 (19.29) genotypes, respectively. The highest positive value of the shade angle (H °) was observed in B1 genotype (74.23), and the highest negative value was -77.62 (M3). The obtained results indicate that leaves change their colour at maturity, constituting a point of attraction by colour (COSMULESCU et al., 2020b). The results regarding the colour parameters of leaves showed the potential value for the chromatics of autumn leaves and implicitly for the ornamental potential of these genotypes given by the colour of autumn leaves. The coloured foliage of the studied genotypes gives ornamental value and make them suitable for integration in landscaping. Flowers are one of the most appreciated ornamental values of plants. The choice and association of ornamental plants with different flowering periods ensures a staggered decoration throughout the year, ensured by flowers diversity and attractive colour. The ornamental value of medlar is also given by the size and abundance of flowers from the spring months, which recommends the use of medlar in the arrangement of green spaces. Flowering of Mespilus germanica L. species occurs late, after the appearance of leaves, during April-May, the flowers being not exposed to early spring frosts. KALYONCU et al. (2013) mention that medlar flower is similar to that of the apple. Medlar fruits have a lot of morphological characteristics that give ornamental value to medlar but also commercial, economic and food value. Fruit of medium size (20-30 mm in diameter), hemispherical, flattened at the tip, reddish-brown & chestnut like colour, with a very wide, cup-shaped calyx cavity, on the edge of which are inserted the five large, lanceolate sepals, the calyx being persistent, as in the apple, pear and quince. Fruits attract the eye by their characteristic shape and colour. Fruits also attract attention through their characteristic colour. Given that the fruit is also decorated by its characteristic colour, observations were made to determine the colour of fruit by the CIEL*a*b* system in the identified medlar genotypes. The results regarding the colour parameters of fruits showed statistically significant differences between genotypes, the colour of fruits being in the range red-orange-yellow / chestnut brown (COSMULESCU et al., 2020b). The fruit is ideal as a winter fruit and softens 3-4 weeks after harvest. Regarding the ornamental features of medlar in the landscape The inclusion of edible species in the landscape design, offers an efficient use and multiple functions of green spaces in densely populated areas. Mespilus germanica L. species offers visual interest, being a point of attraction throughout the year, even in

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dormant season. Medlar has all characteristics found in ornamental plants, in addition it is a useful plant, it produces fruits. 3 cases of medlar use in the landscape were chosen for the study: (1) Isolated specimen in a green space in Belgium; (2) Isolated specimen in a garden in Greece; (3) Medlar integrated in the landscape in a garden in Craiova The quality of fruit, the beauty of the tree and the longevity make the medlar an ideal candidate for both green spaces and individual gardens. In public or private gardens, monotony can be avoided, repetition can be avoided by using a larger assortment of ornamental plants in green spaces, and tree cultivation in private gardens is a pleasant concern, a relaxing and effective way to spend free time.

Objective 3. Capitalizing on diversity through the use of selections in culture Regarding the behaviour of medlar selections in propagation Of the 16 genotypes studied, 2 selections were representative, namely: the T1 selection (Turnu Ruieni) and the M1 selection (Mătăsari). These selections have several valuable characteristics and indicate a high potential for introduction into culture and also the development of new cultivars, which is why they were vegetatively propagated, by grafting, at Banu Mărăcine Teaching Station, using quince as rootstock. Among the monitored parameters, the graft height showed insignificant differences between the average values of the two genotypes studied. Regarding the number of internodes per tree, the average values obtained in the two genotypes studied had very tight limits of variation. The appreciation of vegetative growth and vigour of fruit trees is generally given by the size of the trunk diameter. Determinations were made regarding the diameter at the grafting point, 5 cm below the grafting point and 5 cm above the grafting point, in each genotype, and the results show that the genotypes studied showed significant variation limits in in terms of diameter. The coefficient of variation, calculated as the average of the two genotypes, was between 17.44% for the diameter at the grafting point and 26.20% for the diameter above the grafting point, indicating a high uniformity of individuals within the genotype, for the two diameters. It is confirmed that quince is a good rootstock for medlar. Medlar propagates rapidly by grafting and offers the possibility to obtain trees of low vigour, in order to set up fruit plantations (SCRIECIU et al., 2019).

SCRIECIU FLAVIA CRISTINA 2020

Regarding the study of medlar selections behaviour in culture The perspective genotypes were multiplied and transferred in culture to a private planter RIAMAR FRUCT SRL through an INNOVATION VOUCHER type project / Contract no. 178CI / 2018, project code PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2018-1035. Following the project implementation, the business will be far superior. The main effect of this project was to expand the areas cultivated with trees. The first fruits appeared in the first year after planting, so the first market studies on fruit recovery were carried out in the following years. Over time, the application of this project’s results will lead to turnover increase through the marketing of medlar fruits. Medlar also allows the development of ecological culture, a market niche quite sought after on domestic market, but especially on the foreign markets.

BIBLIOGRAFIE SELECTIVĂ Anghel Gh, Bordeianu T, Cociu V, Constantinescu N, Cvasnîi D, Ghena N, Ioniță C, Modoran I, Neagu MI, Negrilă A, Radu IF, Sonea V, Ștefan N, Șuta A (1963). Pomologia RPR I. Istoric-biologie- metode. Editura Academiei Republicii Populare Române. Atay T (2013). The clash of'nations' in turkey: reflections on the Gezi Park incident. Insight Turkey 15(3): 39. Cosmulescu S (2014). Pomicultura ornamentală. Editura Sitech. Craiova ISBN 978-606-11-4351-1. Cosmulescu S, Scrieciu F (2020). Variability of physical-chemical characteristics in medlar genotypes (Mespilus germanica L.) depending on climatic year. Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture", organized by the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest between 4th and 6th June 2020. Cosmulescu S, Scrieciu F, Manda M (2020c). Determination of leaf characteristics in different medlar genotypes using the ImageJ program. Horticultural Science (Prague) 47: 117-121. Cosmulescu S, Scrieciu F, Mazilu Enescu I (2020b). Variation of fruit and leaf color in medlar genotypes (Mespilus germanica L.) identified in Romania. Wulfenia Journal, Klagenfurt, Austria, ISSN: 1561-882X, vol. 27, No. 7; Jul. 2020. Cosmulescu S, Trandafir I, Scrieciu F, Stoenescu AM (2020a). Content in organic acids of Mespilus spp. and spp. genotypes. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca 48(1), 171-176. Dumitraș A, Singureanu V, Zaharia D, Sabo G (2008). Principii generale de proiectare și amenajare a spațiilor verzi. Editura AcademicPres, ISBN 978-973-744-135-5.

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MESPILUS GERMANICA L. – O SPECIE DE INTERES PEISAGISTIC ȘI POMICOL ȘI NECESITATEA EXTINDERII EI ÎN CULTURĂ

Ionică ME (2014). Metode de analiză și control al calității fructelor și legumelor proaspete și divers prelucrate. Editura Universitatea Craiova. EUC ProUniversitaria. Craiova. Kalyoncu IH, Ersoy N, Elidemir AY, Tolay I (2013). Some Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of 'Musmula' Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) Grown in Northeast Anatolia. In Proceedings of world academy of science, engineering and technology. World Academy of Science. Engineering and Technology 78: 1380. Nour V (1998). Metode de analiză și control în industria conservelor de legume și fructe. Editura Europa. Craiova. Scrieciu F, Cosmulescu S, (2019). Variability of pomological characteristics of medlar genotypes (Mespilus germanica L.) identified in south-western area of Romania. Analele Universității din Craiova, seria Biologie, Horticultură, Tehnologia Prelucrării Produselor Agricole, Ingineria Mediului XXIV (LX): 230-236. Scrieciu F, Zanfir V, Cosmulescu S (2019). Grafting behaviour of medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) genotypes. Proceedings of the Multidisciplinary Conference on Sustainable Development, 971-975.