Liviu Cristian Mărăcineanu

This study provides the first comprehensive structural and diversity assessment of the Stanului Forest ecosystem since the last taxonomic survey conducted in 1987. The paper analyses the structural indices of biocoenosis and vegetation diversity in the Stanului Forest ecosystem (Gemărtălui Valley), in the hilly area of Oltenia (Romania), in Dolj County. Primary data were obtained using randomised sampling with frame squares, which ensured the random selection of sampling units and standardisation of the data collection process. The number of samples was equal (10) across all vegetation categories studied. The sampling area was 1 m² for herbaceous species and 100 m² for woody species. Structural indices (frequency, constancy, dominance index, index of relative significance, etc.), diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Gleason, Simpson), and statistical analyses were used to interpret the data. The results showed that from a taxonomic perspective, 5 families of woody species and 15 families of herbaceous species were identified. The presence of the invasive species (Robinia pseudoacacia) can negatively influence the ecological functions of the existing plant community. The species Quercus frainetto and Carpinus betulus accounted for 55.16% of the woody layer dominance. In the herbaceous layer, Carex sylvatica and Schedonorus giganteus recorded the highest dominance values. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 0.53 in the woody layer and 0.50 in the herbaceous layer.

This study aimed to assess the influence of recent climatic conditions and cultivar on the timing of key phenological stages in grapevines. For this purpose, five table grape varieties with different ripening periods, grown at the Murfatlar viticultural center and vineyard in Romania, were studied. This vineyard is challenged by current cli-matic changes. At the local level, data have been recorded showing constant climatic changes, with changing temperature and humidity regimes. These data will lead to management problems that other vineyards are already facing. The study covered the period from 2000 to 2019 and tracked the timing of the onset of vegetative phases, as recorded in the number of days from January 1 to that point, according to the BBCH phenological scale. The results showed that the length of the vegetation period depends not only on the variety but also on the viticultural year, due to annual climatic variability. Changes in the duration of the vegetative phases were evidenced, with a trend towards advancing ripening.