Bioretention systems are implemented and studied especially in the context of the urban environment, but lately they are also included in rural and agricultural areas. These sustainable techniques are grouped in a category that is referred to by different terms: sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) in the UK [1-2], low-impact development (LID) or best management practices (BMPs) in the USA and Canada [3], watersensitive urban design (WSUD) in Australia, natural drainage systems in the U.S. city of Seattle [4], and on-site stormwater management by the Washington State Department of Ecology (USA) [5]. Terminology, although varied, does not necessarily produce confusion regarding the definition and basic characteristics of the categories of sustainable techniques. This type of sustainable system is intended to mimic natural

Crabapples offer a wide variety of tree forms and size, leaf shapes, flowers and colourful fruits which improve the quality of green spaces, being an excellent four-season landscape trees. The aim of this study was to determine flower development of Malus x zumi 'Professor Sprenger' using Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie -BBCH code under urban conditions. Observations were made weekly during two growing seasons to identify the flowering stages. Flower development of ornamental crabapple described according to BBCH scale started from flower induction until dormancy. Knowing the flower development stages of 'Professor Sprenger' variety provide information on visual assessment protocols from urban areas and determine the species' most ornamental period of the year.

Medicinal plant cultivation in Controlled Environment (CE) is increasing in the context of the new findings concerning the abiotic stress factors manipulation that leads to a significant increment in bioactive substances. Pathogen control is a vital part of the cultivation system, therefore the study was focused on biological methods of controlling a frequently occurring disease, by inoculating the sterile substrates specific in hydroponics, with the beneficial organism. Hypericum perforatum seedlings were inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum and with Trichoderma spp. The results showed that the method of inoculation had a significant effect on the success of the biological control. The plants treated with Trichoderma spp. had a two-fold increase in foliar biomass and better development of roots than the plants inoculated with the pathogen. Morphologically there were no significant differences, with some notable exceptions. The health status of the seedlings inoculated with the pathogen showed signs of the disease, even in the presence of Trichoderma spp. Finally, determinations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at the root level showed that the biotic stress was considerable higher in the rockwool substrate that increased the secondary metabolism giving new perspectives in the cultivation of medicinal plants in CEA.

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Laczi E., Apahidean A., Luca E., Dumitraş A., Boancă P. (2016) Chinese cabbage is a less known, cultivated and consumed vegetable species in Transylvania, although previous studies have shown that it can be grown successfully in this area. The main purpose of the present research was to underline the effectiveness of various treatments on Chinese cabbage growth, yield and quality of the final product in organic farming system. The treatments included: different fertilisation types, place of the culture and several hybrids. Results showed that all the studied factors had a high influence on cabbage heads characteristics such as length, diameter, and weight, on the number of leaves and also on yield. The best yields were registered when horse manure was used (between 76.50 and 99.30 t/ha), followed by cattle manure (between 76.80 and 93.75 t/ha). A higher yield of better quality cabbage was obtained in a polyethylene tunnel (89.27 t/ha) compared to the open field culture (77.50 t/ha). Hybrid Super provided the highest yield (92.70 t/ha), followed by hybrid Vitimo (86.09 t/ha).