Constantina Chireceanu, Andrei Teodoru

Abstract: This report presents new information on presence of the Mediterranean spiny stink bug Mustha
spinosula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in the south of Romania, and new host plants for this species.

Keywords: Southern Romania, spiny stink bug Mustha spinosula, host plants

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EVALUATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF DIFFERENT VERMICOMPOST AND PEAT MIXTURES ON ROCKET (ERUCA SATIVA MILL.) SEEDLING PRODUCTION

Alexandru Cristian Grosu, Petruța Mihaela Matei, Narcisa Elena Băbeanu

Abstract: The vermicomposting process can improve the quality of horticultural substrates. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the phytotoxicity and Dickson quality index (DQI) of some vermicomposts used as fertilizers.These vermicomposts were obtained from food scraps digestate mixed with shredded paper waste (DWV) and
vineyard wastes such as grape marc and dry shoots (VWV). These vermicomposts were applied as 3.2% and 5.0% on a commercial peat substrate. When aqueous dilutions (1:10 w/v and 1:20 w/v) were made from these vermicompost substrates, the normalized residual germination index (NRGI) showed low phytotoxicity for both DWV and VWV treatments in the dilution 1:10 (w/v), while in dilution 1:20 (w/v) the NREI showed normal development for both vermicompost treatments (VWV and DWV). The Dickson quality index (DQI) calculated for Eruca sativa Mill. seedlings treated with vermicompost from vineyard wastes (VWV 3.2%) demonstrate positive influence on rocket seedlings compared to untreated peat, with significant differences at p < 0.01.

Key words: vermicompost, grape marc, digestate, rocket.

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RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON THE ATTACK PRODUCED BY OSTRINIA NUBILALIS HBN. AT MAIZE, IN THE AREA OF THE SUBCARPATHIAN HILLS

Maria Magdalena Podea*, Ilie Cătălin Dinuță, Cristina Ghiorghe, Mariana Cristina Nicolae, Georgeta Trașcă

Abstract: Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) is one of the most dangerous pests of corn in Romania. Along with very
hight yield losses, physical damage to maize plants is the pathway for infection by fungi of the genus Fusarium
spp. The paper is a synthesis of the research results obtained in 2022 at the Pitesti Agricultural Research and
Development Station on the effectiveness of chemical treatments (chlorantraniliprol and deltamethrin) in a number
of 5 maize hybrids (Felix, Magnus, Amurg, F423 and Miraj).The experiments were of bifactorial type, placed
according to the method of randomized blocks in 4 repetitions.The treatments were applied in the first decade of
July with the help of portable sprinklers. At the end of the growing season, 25 plants/ variant/ repetition were
harvested and sectioned to establish the parameters of the attack: the frequency of attacked plants, the number of
larvae/plant, the average number of holes/plant and the length of the galleries. Given the fact that this pest in the
researched area is less known, the purpose of this work is to highlight the response of corn hybrids to the attack of
the corn borer under conditions of application with various insecticides. The best results were obtained by applying
in combination the 2 insecticides based on chlorantraniliprol + deltamethrin.
Keywords: corn, insecticides, Ostrinia nubilalis, pests

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SMART MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATION METHODS FOR PEST DAMAGE IN MAIZE CROPS

Andrei Chiriloaie-Palade*, Raluca-Gabriela Georgescu, Teodoru Andrei, Valentin-Marius Ciontu, Daniel Jaloba

Abstract. To ensure both the quantity and quality of maize crops, vigilant pest monitoring is indispensable.
Identifying and controlling pests effectively is paramount in mitigating agricultural losses and upholding food
security. Various methods, from conventional field observations to sophisticated intelligent monitoring systems, are
currently employed to manage pests in maize fields. However, traditional surveillance methods have inherent
drawbacks, such as the need for frequent visual inspections and the inability to deliver real-time comprehensive data.
Consequently, there's a rising demand for intelligent solutions that can enhance accuracy and efficiency in pest monitoring on maize farms.

Keywords: pests, maize, monitoring systems

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EFFECTS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS ON CORN SEED GERMINATION

Daniel Nicolae Cojanu, Maria-Cristina Lumînare, Lavinia Diana Nicoleta Buturugă Barbu, Mihaela-Monica Dinu, Ana-Cristina Fătu*

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of two bird-repellent products, Repel Aves (methyl anthranilate, 30%)
and Requiem Prime (terpenoid mixture), on corn seed germination and impact on radicle growth under laboratory conditions.
Repel Aves showed that low concentrations (250–500 ppm) supported germination in the Harmonium hybrid,
reaching nearly 100% by day 3, while higher concentrations (2000–6000 ppm) inhibited germination and
radicle growth. For Turda 344 hybrid, high concentrations reduced germination to below 30%. Requiem Prime
had a delayed effect on germination for Turda 344, with concentrations of 250–2000 ppm reaching 80-90% by
day 4, while Harmonium showed accelerated germination at higher concentrations. These results suggest that bird-repellent
products can offer seed protection while maintaining adequate germination, depending on concentration and hybrid.

Keywords: germination, corn, terpenoids, methyl anthranilate.

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