Perlite Research Articles

Biochar, a potential hydroponic growth substrate, enhances the nutritional status and growth of leafy vegetables

A hydroponics system developed using a nutrient film technique was used to evaluate the effectiveness of rice husk biochar (RB) alone or in combination with perlite (PL) as substrates for increasing the growth of leafy vegetables compared with that of PL. Seedlings of cabbage, dill, mallow, red lettuce, and tatsoi were grown hydroponically in PL, RB, and PL + RB (1:1 ratio of PL to RB, v/v) substrates for a 30-d under optimal environmental conditions in a greenhouse. Shoot length and fresh/dry masses of cabbage, dill, and red lettuce plants grown in RB substrate were decreased by 49% on average compared to those plants grown in PL substrate. In contrast, PL + RB substrate led to approximately 2-fold increases in shoot length, number of leaves, and fresh/dry masses of leafy vegetable plants compared with those grown in PL substrate. Foliar nutritional composition (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, and Zn) and nitrogen status (SPAD index) of plants grown in PL + RB and PL substrates suggested the presence of optimal growth conditions for ensuring optimum yield with high quality. In addition, RB substrate contributed to respective increases of 1.2–3.5-fold in leaf K, Mg, Mn, and Zn contents in most vegetable plants compared with those grown in PL substrate. The RB alone or in combination with PL substrates decreased algal growth in the nutrient solutions as confirmed by scanning electron micrographs of microalgae on the RB surface. The results also indicated that use of PL + RB hydroponic substrate could be an alternative and effective technology for the better management of unwanted algal growth in nutrient solutions and high production of leafy vegetables.

Effect of mineral admixture types on the grout strength of fully-grouted rockbolts

This paper represent the results of an experimental study handled with developed grouting materials for fully-cement-grouted ribbed rockbolts. These experimental studies cover the effects of some mineral admixtures (silica fume, blast furnace slag, fly ash etc.) on the bond characteristics between grout and rockbolts. The effect of mineral admixtures on the grout strength of fully-grouted rockbolts and block punch index (BPI) and compressive strength (CS) of the grout on the load bearing capacity (LBC) were investigated. Totally 150 rockbolt pull-out tests were performed using ten different grouts in order to investigate and improve the LBC of grouted rockbolts for five different curing times (1, 3, 7, 28 and 90days). All grout types were prepared same ratios, and silica sand was used as fine aggregate. Grout mixtures that 15% of mineral admixtures replaced with cement by weight were prepared. The results showed that grouts produced with silica fume (SF) and metakaolin (MK) in all mixtures were yielded the highest CS and bond strength at all ages. The all strength tests of fly ash (FA) grout exhibited low values till 28days of curing time in accordance with reference grout, but a sharp increase was observed after this period. Grouts with perlite (PRL) and blast furnace slag (BFS) showed the similar strength values according to reference grout. In conclusion, mineral admixtures can be used for high-strength and low cost grout in tunneling applications. In addition, the use of waste materials can contribute to the resolution of environmental problems.

Effect of Additive of Expanded Polystyrene and Perlite on Some Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity for Mass Concrete

In this research, the major problem of mass concrete (Differences in Temperature) was studied. Expanded polystyrene and perlite were added in different percentages to investigate the effects on some mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of concrete. Two stages of work were performed.In first stage, reference mix was designed at proportion (1cement: 1.41sand: 2.72gravel) with (0.4) water cement ratio. Four tests were conducted, these tests including density, compressive strength, flexural strength and thermal conductivity through exponential equation depending on dry density. In the second stage, polystyrene beads and perlite were added as volumetric ratio with (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30) percentages to the original size of reference mix and conducted the tests and study their effects. The results showed a significant improvement in thermal insulation and reduced thermal conductivity (40 , 22) % by using (30) % of polystyrene and perlite respectively. The decreasing in some mechanical properties can be seen and this decreasing did not have serious effects on the design efficiency of the structure which conformed with the specifications.

Vegetable production using a simplified hydroponics system inside City of Dead (Cairo)

This research work was performed in the poorest urban area of Cairo (Egypt) in a slum area called Al-Quarafa. The aim was to develop and evaluate a simplified hydroponics system (HS) to grow vegetables for the local inhabitants who live in an extreme status of food unsafety. In the hydroponic growing system the tomato plants were cultivated and two substrates were compared: peat:perlite (70/30 W/w) and sand:coir (50:50 W/w). This technique guarantees high levels of production and low contamination by avoiding the use of polluted urban soils which are often common in slum areas. Macro and microelements in tomato fruits were analysed by ICP-MS. Results showed low concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Sr, As, Cr, Mo) with all heavy metals under the levels set by European Community laws. Lack of food safety in slums is more closely linked with malnutrition than starvation, so it is also important to understand mineral availability (both micro and macro) and nutritional significance for health. For this reason micro and macro elements (K, Ca, Na, Fe, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn) were analysed in the harvested fruits. This study showed that HS is a valid method to grow vegetables in urban areas to improve food security in Middle East cities.

Geology of the Selene perlite deposit in the northern Sierra Madre Occidental, northeastern Sonora, Mexico

El yacimiento mineral de perlita Selene del Noreste de Sonora, Mexico, se encuentra en el limite sur de un extenso paquete de rocas volcanicas Oligoceno temprano-Mioceno. Este ensamble volcanico, limitado por fallas y basculado hacia el Este (85 x 35 km), es de composicion variable y fue emplazado sobre un basamento Cretacico. Este paquete volcanico se encuentra localizado dentro de una region tectonicamente extendida en la porcion norte de la Gran Provincia ignea Silicica de la Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO). El mapeo geologico realizado en el area de estudio revela una sucesion volcanica de tipo bimodal y de edad Oligoceno temprano, que ha sido fallada y levantada. La secuencia contiene abundantes vestigios perliticos y es cortada por fallas de a lo mas una edad Mioceno temprano, que promueven el desarrollo de un semi-graben adyacente, rellenado por una unidad volcaniclastica. La secuencia volcanica bimodal comprende, a la base, tanto un derrame, como una toba de composicion riolitica, que son cubiertos por un deposito ignimbritico de edad Eoceno temprano. Un domo-colada de composicion riolitica en la parte intermedia, hospeda a la perlita Selene y, un basalto en la parte superior cubre discordantemente a la secuencia. La unidad volcaniclastica, considerada Mioceno temprano, ocurre en discordancia angular sobre la secuencia volcanica bimodal. Esta unidad presenta, a la base, brechas de falla con clastos de volcanicas locales, una capa previamente no identificada de cuarzo-arenita y, en la parte superior, un potente conglomerado polimictico, que contienen clastos de perlita, riolita fluidal, andesita y basalto. Las fuentes potenciales para los miembros maficos y felsicos del volcanismo bimodal se consideran puntos de emision de tipo fisural y distal, y/o distal-proximal, que fueron controlados por fallas ligadas a la Provincia Extensional del Basin and Range. Esto

Research on the Possibilities of Using Paper Mill Sewage Sludge as an Alternative Seedling Growth Media to Peat

This research was conducted in order for sewage sludge, which complies with the criteria stated in the last 2010 Sludge Regulation on Soil Pollution and its Control, to be used as a seedling growth media. In this research, peat and soil were used as controls, and peat + sewage sludge + perlite and soil + sewage sludge + perlite were mixed at different rates and 8 growing media were prepared for each. Some quality specifications of the tomato seedlings were investigated by determining their nutrient contents in the growth media. According to the research results, the media mixed with peat was found statistically different at the level of p<0.05 in the seedling quality characteristics except for the cotyledon width, and the media mixed with soil was found statistically different at the level of p<0.05 in all the determined seedling quality characteristics. The growth media prepared by mixing peat and sewage sludge proportionately had a positive effect on seedling formation. The O5 media, which contained 40% peat + 50% sewage sludge + 10% perlite, had the best values of seedling length, seedling root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight. In the soil-controlled media, the M5 media, which contained 40% soil + 50% sewage sludge + 10% perlite, had the best values of seedling root length and root fresh weight.

EFFECTS OF NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS LEVEL ON NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERS AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF STRAWBERRY IN HYDROCULTURE

This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of nutrient elements on phytochemistry characters and qualities of strawberry in soilless culture system. The experiment was carried out in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete design with three replications. Treatments consisted of 6 groups of strawberry growing on soilless medium made of perlite and coco peat that were treated with different ratio of nutrient solutions. According to the results modified nutrient improved fruit nutritional characters but it was not unique. TSSS, TA, vitamin C and pH often were increased by increasing nutritional elements but anthocyanin was decreased by increasing some nutritional elements.

Evaluation of perlite powder Performance in concrete to replace part of the cement

Perlite is a one of the volcanic lava products after the fast cooling process and a large percentage of these mineral aggregates are composed of silicon and aluminum oxides. Large studies have been conducted on the performance of perlite to be replaced as a part of the aggregates, while perlite pozzolanic performance has not been taken into consideration a lot. In this study, the performance of expanded perlite powder as replacing part of cement in concrete is discussed. For this purpose, perlite powder with a cement size about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% has been replaced in the control scheme. Experiments conducted in this study include measuring the compressive strength and measuring the speed of ultrasonic waves through the ages of 3, 7, 28 and 42 days and assessing the tensile strength at 28 days. The results show good performance of concretes containing expanded perlite powder.

Productivity, Quality and Economics of Tomato (lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) Cultivation in Aggregate Hydroponics - A Case Study from Coimbatore Region of Tamil Nadu

There is a need for low cost, readily available, simple, attractive technologies which can utilize space and water efficiently to increase the productivity in agriculture. Simplified hydroponics is one such option which does not require costly facilities, high running cost and intensive care. This study is an attempt to develop certain low cost aggregate hydroponic techniques for tomato production under naturally ventilated polyhouse located in Precision Farming Development Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design replicated thrice. Three different hydroponic systems, i.e., tray, trough&pot and three different media combinations, i.e., cocopeat+gravel+silex stone, cocopeat+pebble+silex stone&cocopeat+perlite+silex stone, constituted the factors of the treatments. The maximum yield (4.9 kg/plant) was observed for the treatment trough with cocopeat+gravel+silex stone (T4) followed by trough with cocopeat+perlite+silex stone (T6) and trough with cocopeat+pebble+silex stone (T5) with values 4.2 and 3.9 kg/ plant respectively. The highest productivity obtained from the treatment T4 was 245.3 t/ha. The treatment T2 (tray with cocopeat+pebble+silex stone) yielded least (2.8kg/plant) with a productivity of 138.3 t/ha. The highest total soluble solids (12.5°brix) was recorded for the treatment T4 followed by T6 (10.9°brix) and T5 (10.5°brix) and the lowest (8.3°brix) was recorded for the treatment T1 (tray with cocopeat+gravel+silex stone. Regarding colour values all hydroponic treatments showed a / b values greater than 0.95 indicating full maturity. L value was also highest for T4 (44.45). The highest (benefit cost) B/C ratio (4.52) was obtained for the same treatment T4. All hydroponic treatment worked out B/C ratio greater than 1.5. Regarding productivity, quality and economics, the treatment T4 trough with cocopeat+gravel+silex stone (in the ratio 2:1:1v / v) performed best and can be adopted for commercial production of tomato.

팽창진주암 무기복합재에서의 단열성능 및 열크랙 방지에 관한 연구

$400^{\circ}C$ 의 고온에서 사용할 수 있는 무기단열재를 개발하기 위한 기초 연구로서 물유리(waterglass)를 바인더로 사용하여 제조한 팽창진주암(expanded perlite) 무기복합재의 단열성과 열 충격에 의한 크랙 방지에 관한 연구를 진행하였다. 정량된 팽창진주암 미세분말과 물유리를 혼합한 반죽을 몰드에 넣고 하루 동안 안정화시킨 후에 $150^{\circ}C$ 오븐에서 완전히 건조하여 샘플을 제작하였다. 인산알미늄(aluminum phosphate)와 마이카(mica)분말이 각각 반응촉진제와 열 충격 방지제로 사용되었다. 특히 마이카 분말이 도입된 샘플은 $500^{\circ}C$ 고온에서도 열에 의한 크랙 발생이 일어나지 않았으며, 샘플의 단열성은 팽창진주암의 혼합비율이 높아질수록 향상됨을 보여주었으며, 중량비로 물유리/perlite/mica/Al phosphate=100/200/10/1.5의 조성비를 같는 샘플은 $500^{\circ}C$ 에서 약 0.09W/mK의 열전도도를 나타내는 우수한 단열 특성을 나타내었다. 그러나 나트륨 실리케이트(sodium silicate)가 주성분인 물유리 바인더의 열적 특성으로 인하여 $600^{\circ}C$ 이상의 온도에서는 심한 치수변형을 발생시켜 실제 사용상의 온도 제한성을 보여 주었다. 【A study on the crack protection and thermal insulation properties of the expanded perlite inorganic composites was performed. Mixed expanded perlite with a water glass was stabilized for 24 hrs at room temperature in the mold and, thereafter, converted into a massive foamed body through complete drying process at $150^{\circ}C$ . Aluminum phosphate and micron size mica powder were used as a reaction accelerator and a stabilizer for thermal crack, respectively. Especially, use of mica exhibited a remarkable effect on the protection of thermal crack at higher temperature over $500^{\circ}C$ , and thermal conductivity of the composites was enhanced with higher perlite contents, showing ca. 0.09 W/mK for the sample of 100/200/10/1.5 water glass/perlite/mica/Al phosphate by weight. A severe dimensional deformation of the composite materials was observed over $600^{\circ}C$ , however, showing a temperature limitation for a practical application. The facts were considered as the results from the glass transition temperature of the water glass, of which main component is sodium silicate.】

The influence of porogene additives on the properties of mortars used to control the ambient moisture

Abstract Relative humidity (RH) is one of the most important parameters, not only influencing indoor comfort and air quality, but also impacting energy performance and durability of the envelope. To minimize health risks and discomfort, the optimal range for indoor RH lies between 30% and 60%. This experimental research reports the development of cement mortars with enhanced potential to passively adjust indoor RH levels, achievable by introducing superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and porogene additives—vermiculite (VER), and perlite (PER). Samples with 0–2 wt% SAP, 0–5 wt% VER, 0–5 wt% PER and 21.5–43 water/solid weight ratio were produced to estimate the individual performance and optimal dosage of mentioned additives. In general, the additives showed distinct behaviors, but samples VER and PER containing 2 wt% exerted less influence on the mechanical properties, while the moisture buffering value (MBV) results remained at same level of the ones of the standard and non-additivated formulation (reference mortar—REF). However, the 2SAP sample with 2 wt% superabsorbent polymer predominates on most of properties, reaching the maximum MBV results, but a higher unrestrained shrinkage values and strong reduction of mechanical properties was also obtained. For that reason, the optimal SAP dosage is limited up to 1 wt%, since it exerted small influence on the standard/common properties required for the mortar given it the classification of good, according to MBV determinations conducted by following the Nordtest protocol.

Acclimatization of micropropagated Musa cavendischii cultivar roatan plants submitted to doses of fertigation and auxin

Micropropagation of banana is suggested to produce great number of healthy plants but the success depends on the ability to transfer plants from in vitro conditions to greenhouse or field environment, at low cost and with high survival rates. In this study, the effects of the fertilization and indolebutyric acid (IBA) applied in the nutritive solution on growth of Musa cavendischii plantlets were evaluated during acclimatization process in greenhouse. First, in vitro plantlets of M. cavendischii were transplanted to pots of 150 cm3 containing perlite and transferred to greenhouse for their acclimatization during 11 weeks. The experiment was established according to a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 20 replications per treatment. The experimental unit was one plant transplanted in each pot, resulting from the combinations of daily applications of 10 ml of the Steiner’s nutritive solution at 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively (Factor A), without and with 1 mgL-1 of the auxin IBA (Factor B). After 11 weeks of acclimatization, the results shows that, the higher plants with respect to plant fresh, dry weight and height, and leaf width corresponded to the treatments from 75 to 100% of the Steiner’s solution. The IBA application had no significant effects on the growth of the M. cavendischii plants. There was no significant interaction between fertigation and IBA applications. The plants fertigated at 100% of nutriments concentration had 27.7 cm of height, 259.9 cm2 of foliar area, and 1.01 mg of chlorophyll g-1 of foliar fresh weight. Key words: Acclimatization, fertilizer, micropropagation, indolebutyric acid, plant nutrition.

Effects of different nutrient solution formulations on yield and cut flower quality of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) grown in soilless culture system

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different nutrient solution formulations on the yield and quality of cut flowers and growth of gerbera plants in substrate culture system. Five different nutrient solution formulations were used. The gerbera plantlets were planted into pots filled with perlite and peat mixture, and values of flower yield and cut flower quality criteria, and several parameters related to growth performance such as number of daughter plants, root growth criteria, plant fresh weight were obtained. The best results of cut flower yield, flower quality and plant growth were obtained from gerberas nourished by the “ColakoAŸlu-2” nutrient solution formulation which consists of 150 ppm N, 31 ppm P, 234 ppm K, 30 ppm Mg, 100 ppm Ca, 15 ppm S, 8 ppm Fe, 5 ppm Mn, 1.5 ppm B, 2 ppm Cu, 3 ppm Zn and 0.2 ppm Mo. The highest flower yield was 38.67 flowers per plant in this solution. The highest value of the number of daughter plants (3.53/plant) in gerbera was determined in the “ColakoAŸlu-2” nutrient solution formulation. Key words: Gerbera jamesonii, nutrient solution formulation, quality, yield, cut flower, substrate culture.

Influence of fertilizer concentrations on the performance of seedling grafts of tomato grown in coir based root media

The influence of various concentrations of the standard fertilizer on the performance of seedling grafts tomato was investigated using coconut coir containing root media. Two different formulations of coir dust (CO) with perlite (PL) and vermiculite (VM) (5:5 and 7:3 mixtures of CO + VM and CO + PL, v/v) were used as growing media. Five variations (0, 0.1, 1, 2, 4x conc.) of a standard fertilizer (SF) containing (mg · L−1) 190 N, 54.5 P2O5, 149 K2O, 542 CaO, 24.3 MgO, 19.5 S, and micronutrients in pre-plant fertilizers were used for seedling growth before grafting. The root stock (cultivar J3B Strong) and scion (cultivar Sunmyung) were grown in 50 cell (volume 33 cc) and 105 cell (volume 18 cc) trays, respectively. Both were fertilized once a week with the N concentrations of 50, 120, and 200 mg · L−1 (using 14-00-14 and 20-10-20 commercial analysis fertilizers alternately) in stages 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 31 days after sowing, seedling plants of both the root stock and scion were excised above the soil line, trimmed, and used for seedling grafting. The cut grafted plants were planted into the 50-cell pack trays (cell volume 33 cc) and incubated for 7 days inside a plastic tunnel under a shade cloth for callusing and adventitious root formation. After an additional 7 days of gradual acclimatization with lower humidity, the rooted grafted plants began to receive fertilizer treatments once a week. When examined 31 days after sowing, the highest weights of the root stock seedlings were obtained with the 2x SF solution in CO + PL mix (4.1 g/seedling) and 1x SF solution in CO + VM mix (5.0 g/seedling). The electrical conductance (EC) of the soil extracts for the two treatments were 3.85 and 1.94 dS · m−1, respectively. Fresh weights of the grafted plants (Sunmyung/J3B Strong) grown in CO + VM and CO + PL mixes were not significantly different from each other when measured 13 days after grafting. Elevated plug-phase fertilizer levels in CO + PL mix resulted in an increase of fresh weights from the grafted plants in 13 days. However, substrate EC (5.19 dS · m−1) at 4x SF solution in CO+PL mix was much higher than that recommended for plug seedling production. Grafted plants were tolerant to high salinity. Fresh weights of grafted plants were higher when grown with 200 mg · L−1N in CO + PL mix or 100 mg · L−1 N CO + VM mix than other treatments. The substrate ECs of the two treatments were 3.85 and 1.94 dS · m−1, respectively. Grafted plants grew well when exposed to elevated substrate salt concentrations. Results of this experiment suggest that the production of high quality tomato seedling grafts is possible with salt concentrations much higher than that recommended for plug seedling production. The optimum fertilizer concentration, however, must be determined separately for a given root medium mixture containing coconut coir.

단열소재 종류 및 조합에 따른 외벽단열 패널용 시멘트 복합체의 공학적 특성

본 연구에서는 단열소재 종류 및 조합의 치환률 변화에 따른 외벽단열패널의 공학적 특성에 대하여 분석하였는데, 그 결과 굳지않은 모르터의 플로우의 경우 단열소재 치환률이 증가할수록 급격히 저하되는 결과를 나타내었으며, 공기량의 경우 단열소재 치환률이 증가될수록 점차 증가되는 결과를 나타내었다. 경화 모르터의 휨강도의 경우 단열소재 치환률이 증가될수록 전반적으로 플레인에 비해 점차 강도가 저하되는 경향을 나타내었으나 PL 2% 치환 시 증가되는 결과를 나타내었다. 열전도율의 경우 단열소재 치환률이 증가될수록 급격히 낮아지는 경향을 나타내었으며, 단위용적 질량과 열전도율의 상관관계의 경우 단위용적질량이 감소할수록 열전도율은 우수한 결과를 나타내었다. 단열소재 종류 및 조합에 따른 휨강도의 경우 전반적으로 플레인과 유사한 강도값을 나타내었으나 V+CB+PL을 3% 치환한 조합의 경우 모르터 내부가 밀실해짐에 따라 강도값이 증가되는 결과를 나타내어 단열소재 종류 및 조합 가운데 가장 우수한 결과를 도출할 수 있었다. In this study, the engineering characteristics of outer wall insulation panels according to type of insulation materials, their combination, and the contents of insulation materials were tested. Vermiculate, ceramic bead, perlite and expanded polystyrene were used as insulation materials. Flexural strength and thermal conductivity depending on the insulation materials used were measured. It was found that the flow of fresh mortar significantly decreased with an increase in the contents of insulation materials. In terms of the effect of insulation materials on thermal conductivity, an increase in insulation materials resulted in a decrease of thermal conductivity. In particular, PL and EPS, when used together, have lower thermal conductivity than other materials. Regarding the flexural strength of the hardened mortar, the strength showed a tendency to gradually decrease according to the increase in contents of insulation materials, compared to that of the plain mortar. In terms of the flexural strength depending on various types of insulation materials and its combination, it was found that the flexural strength of cement mortar containing 3% of vermiculate(V)+ceramic bead(CB)+perlite(PL) was the highest among the specimens tested.

The Improvement of Floral Assortment with Ardisia Genus and the Development of Multiplication Technology by Cuttings

Ardisia genus includes 250 small trees, shrubs and subshrubs distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It used and sold in the horticulture industry as an ornamental plant – often called Christmas berry or Coral Berry, Marlberry. It is native to China, Japan and northern India, take part of the family Myrsinaceae. 65 species are in China including 14 native species in Hong Kong. Ardisia beginning cultivation in 1982, spreading into wooded areas. Currently Ardisia is found in many counties used in the landscape or indoor design for its persistent red berries, glossy foliage and low maintenance. The study involves Ardisia species A. crenata Sims. and A. pusilla A. DC. , are two species cultivated in South Korea and were brought in our country during an exchange of biological material between RDA Suwon - Korea and University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj in a frame of bilateral agreement. The multiplication of these species were made by cuttings and during the experience was studied the influence of rooting substrate on root system formation. Some soil mixtures were tested: I. perlite + peat + garden soil, with a ratio of 3:1:1, II. peat + sand + mature manure 2:1:1, III. peat + perlite 1:1, IV. perlite (control of experience). The best results for Ardisia crenata were obtained in mixture of peat + perlite + garden soil in 3:1:1 ratio, rooting occurred in 37 days. The process of rooting of Ardisia pusilla was finished in 58 days, and the best result was obtained in the mixture consist in of peat + sand + mature manure 2:1:1 ratio.

Research on Breeding by Seeds of Rhododendrons Species at the Botanical Garden of Jibou

SUMMARY In nature rhododendrons multiply almost exclusively through seeds. It is a method widely used in improvement works of species and rootstocks (Iliescu, 2002). The paper presents the results of various seeding techniques on different culture substrates to identify an optimal method of obtaining rootstocks and plant required for hybridization. All seeds were received from botanical gardens and arboretum which have exchange relations with the Botanical Garden of Jibou. Rhododendron species were chosen from previous experiments that proved resistant to low temperatures and adapted to the climatic conditions in the area. All seeds were sown in March, in the greenhouse on a substrate made of 70% peat moss and 30% perlite in pots and kept at a temperature of 21-24C (Railey, 2004). Pots were covered with plastic foil (Tataranu, 1960). Germination lasted from 12 days to 4 weeks, depending on the species and the freshness of seeds. When seedlings have two to four true leaves, transplant them into pots with different substrates. The following were pursued in the experiment:  seedling growth and development on different soil substrates using six variants;  establishing an optimal pH for plant development.

Aspects of the influence of filtration on qualitative and of composition of white wines.

After the nature of the material that goes into their composition the filter media include: pulverous, fibrous, fabric filters and filter membrans. pulverous filter media consist of diatomite (kieselguhr as a heat-treated diatomite), perlite or mixtures shall be deposited by alluvial and alluvial pre-filter elements on the surface. Filter media are crossed by a system of channels, random shapes with very small diameters, separated by a solid skeleton. Filtering is one of the oldest methods of clarifying wines but as improving the porous filter media, filtering technology has become an important method to stabilize wines (Serrano and Paetzold, 1994). Depending on porosity membranes, filtering can also ensure the microbiological stabilization of wine. Passing through the membrane does not affect wine quality, giving them the opportunity for reuse. Filtering ensures good stability and clarity of wines. Wine clarification by sedimentation during unduly prolonged technology and filtering ensures rapid separation (streaming) of wine. When filtering wine through porous layers, the particles in suspension to be involved in yeast sediment deposited in the bottom of the container and which could have a favorable role on wine olfacto-taste) may be retained on the surface or depth filter layer so that wine passing through filter surface should not affect its sensory qualities.

The Influence of Marc of Grapes upon the Growth and Blossom of Jasminum tortuosum Willd. and Murraya exotica L.

The main substrates used for the flower species in the greenhouses are peat (different types), lawn soil and perlite or sand. Depending on the structure of substrates mixture, there are more or less preferred by the flower plants depending on their specific needs. In order to introduce in the flower substrates new organic matters resulted from other horticultural activities, we choose to test the marc of grapes. In this way, the culture substrates was realized using different types of substrates (peat, red peat, lawn soil and perlite), mixed in 1:1:1:0,5 share. Then, in this substrate considered as control was added marc of grapes in different amounts (10%, 25%, 50%) and ages (marc of 1, 2 and 3 years old). The reason for marc addition in the substrate was to assess the pot flowers behaviour, monitoring the Jasminum tortuosum Willd. and Murraya exotica L. plants growths and blossoms. For both flower species, the marc added in substrates reduce the height of the plants very significant and the number and length of ramifications are also affected. The differences are bigger at the Jasminum tortuosum Willd. than Murraya exotica L., a possible cause could be the different necessities in nutritive elements between this two flower species. During the entire experiment time, Jasminum tortuosum L. had four flowering waves. It could be observed that the biggest number of flowers was registered in the third flowering wave and the marc shows a bad influence upon the total number of flowers on plant in all waves. Regarding the flowering of the Murraya exotica L., there are three flowering waves. It is notable that the number of the total flower/plant is decreasing from the first wave to the third ones. The presence of the marc of grapes in the substrate leads to a visible reducing of the flowers/plant. For the first flower wave, the variants with marc registered with 35.35% less flowers than the variants with no marc of grapes added. The same remark for the second wave (34.42%) and third wave (61.54%). The higher effect in the last flowering wave could be explained by the lack of the nutrients in the variants with bigger share of marc in substrate. Percentages more than 10% of marc in the substrate emphasizing a obvious negative influence upon the growth and blossom of the Jasminum tortuosum Willd. and Murraya exotica L. plants.

Solutions Concerning the Improvement of Multiplication Technology of Argyranthemum frutescens (L.) Sch. Bip

Argyranthemum frutescens (Chrysanthemum frutescens L.), the marguerite, is a perennial plant known for its flowers. It is native to the Canary Islands, their native habitat ranges from the seashore, woodland edges and slopes of volcanic mountains. Marguerites have been grown for more than 200 years, with more than 80 types now available (most of them are hybrids). The aim of the research was to improve the current assortment of floricultural plants in Romania, with new varieties of ornamental species with different morphological characteristics, to be promoted and placed in production. Along with taking the study of new varieties, it has studying the improvement of the culture technology, too. In the present paper, we made some research’s regarding the influence of rooting substrate on morphological characters of two varieties of Argyranthemum frutescens L. cuttings („Gypsy Rose” and „Butterfly”), which were followed the rooting process in different substrates (perlite and peat + perlite).