Annals of the Academy of Romanian Scientists

Series on Agriculture, Silviculture and Veterinary Medicine

Volume 15, Number 1/2026

ISSN 2344-2085

5

CONTRIBUTION OF BREEDING PROGRAMS TO THE

IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROMANIAN FRUIT TREES AND

BERRIES ASSORTMENT

Oana HERA¹, Eugenia GHERGHINA (MAREȘI)^2*

Abstract. To answer to the demands and challenges of modern fruit growing is the

assortment, respectively the varieties available to growers and consumers. Romania

carries out extensive breeding programs for all fruit trees and berries species. The

Romanian genetic resources fund includes 5,705 accessions, of which 2,900 (50.8%) are

local varieties and biotypes. The main breeding objectives are: high productivity,

resistance to major diseases and pests, improving adaptability to diverse climatic and soil

conditions, fruit quality. Specific breeding objectives focus on late flowering and

tolerance to late spring frosts, increased resistance to winter frost, extension of the fruit

ripening period, self-fertility, and reduced tree vigor. Over the last 15 years, breeding

activities have involved approximately 5,000 hybrid combinations, 10,000,000 pollinated

flowers, and the production of about 1,500,000 hybrid seeds or stones, resulting in

500,000 hybrid seedlings. From these, around 1,500 promising selections were obtained

at ICDP Pitesti, leading to the release of 40 new cultivars.

Keywords: assortment, breeding, objectives, fruit trees, berries.

DOI

10.56082/annalsarsciagr.2026.1.5

1. Introduction

To answer to the demands and challenges of modern fruit growing is the

assortment, respectively the varieties available to growers and consumers.

Replacing old varieties, which are less adapted to current demands, with new ones

that are superior, more productive, and more resistant to diseases and pests is a

continuous and necessary process that society cannot give up [4, 3].

This replacement carry out through the introduction of new varieties from other

countries, the creation of new autochthonous varieties, and the selection of the

best clones, both from introduced varieties and from local ones.

¹PhD. Eng., Junior Researcher Oana Hera, Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania;

e-mail: oana.hera@yahoo.com

2

PhD student, Eng., Junior Researcher Eugenia Gherghina (Maresi), Research Institute for Fruit

Growing Pitesti, Romania; Doctoral School of Engineering and Management of Plant and Animal

Resources, Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest,

Romania, e-mail: genimaresi@gmail.com

6

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

The most difficult problems in fruit growing sector are the susceptibility of

existing varieties to the specific diseases and pests, the need for costly

phytosanitary treatments with negative effects on the environment and human

health, as well as those caused by climate change.

There are two major difficulties in the breeding process of fruit trees and berries:

the long ontogenetic development of fruit crops and the impossibility of

simultaneously improving multiple traits and characteristics (productivity +

resistance + sensory quality + long storage life, etc.). This is why, worldwide,

there have been and continue to be breeding programs led by multinational and

multidisciplinary teams (for example: Fruit Breedomics, which involving

countries such as France, Belgium, Italy, Israel, Spain, Czech Republic,

Netherlands and the United Kingdom; Shar-Co, involving researchers from

France, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Serbia, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Romania,

Turkey and Germany; Berry GenRes, involving France, Finland, Germany, Italy,

Norway, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom) [4, 1, 6, 3].

Romania, through its specialized institutes, research stations, and universities,

carries out extensive breeding programs for all fruit trees and berries species. A

fundamental prerequisite for the successful development of new cultivars is the

availability of a rich and diverse germplasm collection. Romania holds one of the

most valuable fruit germplasm resources, comprising biological material from 11

genres and species of fruit trees, 11 genres of berry, as well as strawberry.

The Romanian genetic resources fund includes 5,705 accessions, of which 2,900

(50.8%) are local varieties and biotypes.Local varieties represent an essential

resource for breeders and biotechnologists, as they provide valuable genetic

material for the development of new cultivars with improved resistance to biotic

and abiotic stresses and enhanced productivity [2, 5].

The aim of this study was to present the objectives, research methods and the

results of the breeding program for fruit growing in Romania.

2.

Materials and Methods

The biological material used in the breeding work was represented by a rich

genetic fund, consisting of Malus, Pyrus, Prunus, Fragaria × ananassa,

Vaccinium spp., Ribes spp., Rubus idaeus, Rubus fruticosus, Ribes uva-crispa

species, native and foreign varieties, clonal selections, interspecific and

intraspecific hybrids.

The basic method used in creating the genetic variability necessary for the

selection and creation of new varieties was artificial hybridization between the

best available potential parents. To improve fruit quality, intraspecific

hybridizations were performed, using quality parents in "best-of-best" cross

systems. For resistance to diseases and pests, the interspecific hybridization

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

7

method was used, according to the scheme of valuable variety x resistant species,

continued with backcrossing until obtaining valuable successors.

3.

Results and Discussions

3.1.Breeding objectives in fruit trees

The main breeding objectives are: increasing yield potential, enhancing genetic

resistance to major diseases and pests, improving adaptability to diverse climatic

and soil conditions, and ensuring the continuous improvement of fruit

quality.Specific breeding objectives focus on late flowering and tolerance to late

spring frosts, increased resistance to winter frost, extension of the fruit ripening

period, self-fertility, and reduced tree vigor (Table 1) [3].

Table 1. Breeding objectives in fruit trees

Species

Objectives

Current

Perspective

Apple

- resistante to scab and powdery - resistance to fire blight and pests;

mildew;

- resistant columnar types;

- fruit quality;

- spur fructification

- selection of apple genotypes for resistance to

scab by using molecular markers;

Pear

- resistance to fire blight andPsylla; - immunity to diseases and insects;

- winter cultivars with long storage; - good affinity with quince;

- fruit quality

- low vigor;

- identification of red-fleshed genotypes

Plum

- tolerance/resistance toPlum Pox - immunity to Sharka;

Virus;

- low vigor and spur fructification;

- fruit quality

- fruit quality;

- self fertility

Sweet and

sourcherry

- low vigor and spur fructification;

- fruits size and quality;

- late flowering;

- fruits size ( 10 g, respectivelly

30 mm caliber) – for sweet cherry;

- self fertility;

- suitability for mechanized harvesting – for sour

cherry

- resistance to diseases and pests

3.2.Breeding methods used in fruit tree

The main breeding methods include controlled hybridization, open pollination,

conservative clonal selection, mutagenesis, embryo culture, and marker-assisted

selection.

The most widely used breeding method is controlled hybridization, which has the

following stage: selection of the mother tree, isolation of flowers, emasculation of

flowers, artificial pollination, control of fruit setting (Photo 1).

8

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

Photo 1. The stage of controled hybridization method

Over the last 15 years, breeding activities have involved approximately 5,000

hybrid combinations, 10,000,000 pollinated flowers, and the production of about

1,500,000 hybrid seeds or stones, resulting in 500,000 hybrid seedlings. From

these, around 1,500 promising selections were obtained at ICDP Pitești, leading to

the release of 40 new cultivars.

3.3.Apple breeding in Romania

The implementation of a breeding program and its successful completion depend

largely on the precision of the proposed objectives and the existence of genetic

resources. Romania has a rich germplasm fund, a national treasure recognized and

appreciated at international level, collected and preserved with permanent effort,

according to the goals and objectives agreed in the signed international treaties

and conventions. The main objectives of the evaluation of fruit genetic resources

are to highlight the morphological polymorphism of accessions, to identify the

original accessions and/or the different varieties present in a collection and to

study the phenotypic variability (Militaru et al., 2018) [5]. In the apple (Malus

domestica), there is a diversity of objectives in the breeding program, but only 3

objectives are considered to have an international character: production potential,

superior fruit quality and resistance to diseases and pests (Cociu et al., 1999) [4].

To achieve the objectives, suitable genitors were introduced from foreign varieties

(ʹGolden Deliciousʹ, ʹStarkrimsonʹ, ʹJonathanʹ) or Malus species (Malus floribunda

821, Malus zumi), immune to scab or tolerant to powdery mildew.

In Romania, the stability objectives in breeding programs have undergone major

changes over the years, depending on the historical stage, interest in a certain

objective, available genetic resources, and material possibilities.

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

9

Generally, the current objectives of the apple breeding program in Romania are

similar to those worldwide, research has been directed towards improving fruit

quality and resistance to diseases and pests, especially scab, reducing fruit

pollution and finally, environmental protection. The prospective objectives are:

fire blight and insect resistance; resistant columnar types and selection of apple

genotypes for disease resistance using molecular markers.

In the 1970s-1980s, by introducing new genetic material (ʹPrimaʹ - Vf cv. and the

COOP selections from U.S.A.), Romanian varieties with Vf resistance were

created in breeding programs.

Over time, the apple germplasm fund has been enriched through advances in

working methods, through the development of new hybrid selection procedures,

through Jiffypot cultivation and artificial infections with pathogen races or

populations.

At various stages, the method used in breeding was the classical one, respectively

hybridization between the best available potential genitors, supplemented with

intraclonal selection of natural or artificially induced somatic mutants. For

resistance, the combination of genetic resistance to vertical diseases with

horizontal or polygenic disease was sought, by complexing the genome of the new

creations using several sources of resistance genes (Branişte et al., 2004) [1].

In the following stages, the germplasm fund being enriched, new objectives were

addressed in the genetic breeding program and new modern cultivation systems. A

series of varieties that contributed to the modernization of Romanian fruit

growing were used as parents, such as: ʹFlorinaʹ, ʹElstarʹ, ʹGlosterʹ, ʹJonagoldʹ,

ʹGalaʹ, ʹTopazʹ, ʹOpalʹ, ʹSiriusʹ, ʹLunaʹ, ʹGoldrushʹ, ʹDalinetteʹ, ʹDalincoʹ, ʹDalinbelʹ.

Photo 2. Apple cultivars registered in the last 15 years in Romania

10

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

The results of the apple breeding program were materialized by the registration of

71 varieties created between 1967-2025, many of which were affirmed by the

quality of the fruit with taste, pleasant appearance, different periods of ripening

and consumption, resistance/tolerance to diseases and pests. Among these, the

following varieties have been distinguished: ʹGenerosʹ, ʹCiprianʹ, ʹRomus 3ʹ,

ʹRomus 5ʹ, ʹRebraʹ, ʹRusticʹ, ʹAuriu de Bistritaʹ, ʹArdeleanʹ, ʹDeliaʹ, ʹNicolʹ.

3.4. Pear breeding in Romania

In the case of pear species, the breading objectives were: superior quality,

resistance/tolerance to scab and fire blight, winter varieties with high storage capacity.

Perspective objectives in pear breeding are: immunity to diseases and pests (E. amylovora

and Psylla sp.); low vigor; good affinity with quince; identification and introduction into

the breeding program of some red-fleshed genotypes.

To widen the selection basis there has been introduced genotypes from assortment

international, which have diversified the genetic fund obtaining new, qualitatively

improved varieties, registered as valuable varieties. Also, to achieve the objectives there

have been made intra and inter specific crosses, starting with the local varieties adapted to

the local environment conditions to which there have been added quality genes from

valuable varieties.

The main genitors used in the Romanian breeding pear program were:ʹPackham's

Triumphʹ, ʹBeurre Hardenpont', 'Conferenceʹ for low vigor and spur-type fruiting;

ʹBusuioaceʹ, ʹAromata de Bistritaʹ for late flowering; ʹBeurré Boscʹ ʹBeurré Hardyʹ,

ʹWilliamsʹ, ʹMax Red Barlettʹ, ʹHighlandʹ, ʹAbate Fetelʹ, ʹPackham's Triumphʹ, ʹGeneral

Leclercʹ, ʹOlivier de Serresʹ, ʹUntoasa de Geoagiuʹ, ʹDacianaʹ, ʹArgessisʹ, ʹCarpicaʹ for fruit

quality and commercial appearance; ʹNapocaʹ, ʹBeurré precoce Morettiniʹ, ʹClapp’s

Favoriteʹ, ʹAromată de Varăʹ for early fruit ripening; ʹPasse Crassaneʹ, ʹComtesse de

Paris', 'Curé', 'President Drouardʹ, ʹDoyenne d'hiverʹ, ʹMadame Levavasseurʹ, ʹRepublicaʹ,

ʹEurasʹ, ʹBeurré Hardenpont', 'Olivier de Serresʹ ʹJosephine de Malinesʹ, for late ripening

and good storage capacity; ʹTriomphe de Vienneʹ, ʹBeurré Boscʹ, ʹAbate Fetel', 'Duchesse

d'Angoulêmeʹ for large fruits; ʹP. serotinaʹ, ʹP. serotina x Williamsʹ, ʹKieffer Seedlingʹ for

resistance to fire blight (Erwinia amylowora) and scab (Venturia piryna); ʹHoneysweetʹ,

ʹSeveriankaʹ, ʹTse Liʹ, ʹChang Pa Liʹ, ʹOld Home', 'Sierra', `Imperialeʹ, ʹHaydeeaʹ for

tolerance to pests (Psylla sp.); ʹPackham's Triumphʹ, ʹNapocaʹ, ʹHighland', 'Haydeeaʹ for

productivity; ʹCu Miez Rosuʹ for red pulp [6, 2, 5].

As a result of the breeding program for the pear species, 45 varieties were registered

between 1967 and 2025, some of which were also appreciated abroad both as parents in

breeding programs and for expansion into commercial plantations (ʹIsadoraʹ, ʹMonicaʹ and

ʹParadiseʹ).

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

11

Photo 3. Pear cultivars registered in the last 15 years in Romania

3.5.Plum breeding in Romania

In the case of plum species, the breeding program began in 1950 at the Istrita nursery, the

first objectives being to improve the old traditional varieties, such as ʹTuleu grasʹ, ʹGrase

româneştiʹ and ʹVinete româneştiʹ.

Later, the breeding objectives targeted fruit quality, resistance and tolerance to Plum Pox

Virus, different ripening times, vigor and low self-fertility.

In the breeding work carried out in Romania, the main genitors used in controlled

hybridizations were: ʹTuleu grasʹ, ʹCarpatinʹ, ʹCentenarʹ, ʹTitaʹ, ʹYakimaʹ, ʹCalifornia

Blueʹ, ʹGrand Dukeʹ, ʹOntarioʹ, ʹGiant plumʹ, 'Vision', ʹOneidaʹ, ʹBluefreeʹ, ʹAndreeaʹ,

ʹAgent',

'Romanţaʹ,

ʹRecord',

'Hanita',

'Haganta'for

quality

and

commercial

appearance;'Early Riversʹ, ʹRuth Gerstetterʹ, ʹDiana', 'lalomițaʹ, ʹCacanska lepotica',

'Cacanska ranna'for earliness;'Anna Spath', 'Vinete romanestiʹ, ʹValorʹ, ʹPresident', `Jojo'

for lateness; ʹOneidaʹ, ʹKirkeʹ, ʹGrase de Becsʹ, ʹGrase de Peşteanaʹ, ʹAgen de Sirăuțiʹ,

ʹBoambe de Leordeni', 'Ontario', 'Wilhelmina Spathʹ, ʹKirkeʹ, ʹJojo'for resistance or

tolerance to Plum Pox Virus;'Stanley', 'Anna Spath', 'Bluefree', 'lalomitaʹ, ʹDianaʹ,

ʹRomanţaʹ,

ʹCacanska lepotica'for self-fertility; 'Stanley', 'Bluefree', 'Wilhelmina

Spath'for low vigor;ʹStanleyʹ, ʹAnna Spath', 'Bluefree', 'Standard', 'Grase de Becsʹ,

ʹCacanska lepoticaʹfor good yielding capacity.

As a result, in the period 1967-2025, 43 plum varieties were registered. Although the

varietal conveyor is quite wide, the most cultivated Romanian varieties remain 'Centenarʹ,

ʹPescărusʹ, 'Agent', 'Andreea', 'lulia', 'Silvia' [3].

12

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

Photo 4. Plum cultivars registered in the last 15 years in Romania

3.6. Sweet and sour cherry breeding in Romania

In the case of sweet and sour species, the main breeding objectives are: low vigor and

spur fructification, good yielding capacity, self fertility, late flowering, resistance to

diseases and pests,size and quality of fruits (e.g.  10 g, respectivelly  30 mm caliber –

for sweet cherry), resistance of fruits to cracking, suitability for mechanized harvesting –

for sour cherry.

In the breeding work carried out in Romania, the main sweet cherry genitors used in

controlled hybridizations were:'Stella', 'Lapins', 'Maria', 'Skeena' for self fertility; 'Van',

'Skeena' for productivity; 'Cerna', 'Van compact', 'Stella compact', 'Lapins compact' for

low vigor; 'Viscount', 'Hedelfinger', 'Bigarreau Napoleon' for tolerance to diseases;

'Bigarreau Burlat', 'Spectral', 'Merchant' for earlyness; 'Skeena', 'Kordia', 'George', 'Areko'

for lateness; 'Van, 'Superb', 'Vanda', 'Techlovan', 'Kordia' for fruit quality and resistance

to cracking.

The main sour cherry genitors used in controlled hybridizations were:'Schattenmorelle',

'Spaniole', 'Oblacinska', 'Nana', 'Ilva' for productivity; 'Erdi Nogygyumolcsu', 'Țarina',

'Eugenia' for up right growing; 'Schattenmorelle', 'Nana', 'Oblacinska' for self fertility;

'Spanka', 'Mari timpurii', 'Northstar' for tolerance to diseases; 'Rival', 'Schattenmorelle',

'Sumadinka' for color and quality of fruits.

As a result, in the period 1967-2025, 62 sweet cherry and 19 sour cherry varieties were

registered.

Photo 5. Sweet and sour cherry cultivars registered in the last 15 years

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

13

3.7. Breeding objectives for strawberry and berries

ICDP Pitești is the main Romanian centre for the breeding, evaluation, and

conservation of berries and strawberry cultivars.

Breeding programs for strawberries and berries aim to develop cultivars that are

productive, resilient, and of high fruit quality. One of the primary objectives is to

improve adaptability to both biotic and abiotic factors, including frost, late spring

frosts, drought, and specific diseases and pests. Ensuring that new cultivars can

withstand these environmental and biological stresses is essential for sustainable

production and reduced dependence on chemical treatments. Another key goal is

high productivity, enabling growers to achieve better yields per unit area while

maintaining economic viability. Alongside productivity, fruit quality is of

paramount importance, encompassing taste, size, color, aroma, and storage

potential, which directly affect consumer acceptance and marketability.

Finally, breeding programs focus on developing cultivars with different ripening

periods, allowing for a staggered harvest that can meet market demands over an

extended season. By addressing these objectives simultaneously, strawberry and

berry breeding programs in Romania, particularly through specialized centres

such as ICDP Pitești, contribute to the creation of cultivars that are resilient,

productive, and commercially valuable, meeting both growers’ and consumers’

needs.

3.8. The role of parent varieties in the improvement of strawberries and

berries

Plant breeding is a vital tool in modern agriculture, aiming to develop new

cultivars with improved characteristics. For strawberries, blueberries, currants,

raspberries, blackberries, and gooseberries, breeders select parent varieties

carefully to combine desirable traits such as fruit quality, yield, disease resistance,

and adaptability. The choice of parents plays a decisive role in shaping the success

of breeding programs.

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are among the most widely cultivated

berries. Varieties such as 'Sunrise', 'Gorella', 'Earlyglow', 'Cardinal' and'Clery' are

used in breeding due to their large, flavorful fruits, early ripening, or uniformity.

Some varieties, like 'Gorella'and'Redgauntlet' are valued for their resistance to

diseases and high productivity, making them ideal paternal parents. In strawberry

breeding, maternal parents are often chosen for fruit quality, aroma, and size,

while paternal parents are selected for resistance traits and vigor [7, 8]. This

complementarities ensures that the resulting hybrids combine the best features of

both parents [9].

14

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

Blueberries(Vaccinium spp.), including varieties like 'Bluecrop', 'Blueray',

'Spartan' and 'Chandler' are primarily valued for fruit size, anthocyanin content,

and resistance to cold and diseases. Maternal parents in blueberry breeding are

typically those with large, flavourful berries, while paternal parents contribute

productivity and resilience. By combining these traits, breeders create new

cultivars adapted to different climates and with superior fruit quality [10].

Currants (Ribes spp.), such as 'Tsema', 'Kantata 50', 'Rouge de Versailles', and

'Ruben' are selected for fruit color, taste, yield, and disease resistance. Maternal

parents contribute to the aroma and visual appeal of berries, while paternal parents

improve resistance and productivity, enabling the development of new, robust

cultivars suitable for commercial production.

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus), including varieties like 'Heritage', 'Cayuga', 'Rubin'

and 'Viking' are valued for fruit size, aroma, productivity, and remontant (double-

harvest) ability. Maternal parents are chosen for fruit quality and size, while

paternal parents contribute resistance to fungal diseases and environmental

adaptability. Modern raspberry breeding focuses on creating cultivars with

extended harvest periods and superior taste.

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), such as 'Darrow', are primarily used as maternal

parents due to their large, flavorful fruits, which are desirable for breeding new

cultivars with improved fruit quality and aroma.

Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa), including 'Malahit', 'Invicta', 'Hinnomaki'and

'Verda'are used in breeding to combine fruit quality, disease resistance, and high

productivity. Maternal parents are selected for taste and uniformity, while paternal

parents strengthen resistance and yield potential.

As a result of breeding program, over 30 cultivars were registered, of which 7

strawberry, 9 blueberry, 6 black currant, 5 raspberry and 2 blackberry.

Photo 6. Strawberry cultivars registered

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

15

Photo 7. Blueberry cultivars registered

Photo 8. Black currant cultivars registered

Photo 9. Raspberry cultivars registered

16

Oana Hera, Eugenia Mareși

Photo10. Blackberry cultivars registered

Conclusions

1.Over a period of 15 years, a wide assortment of fruit tree species, berry and

strawberries has been developed at the ICDP Pitești, reflecting extensive scientific

research. The experimental fields provide a rich genetic material, serving as a

foundation for the continued work in fruit breeding and genetic improvement.

2.The thematic plan for the implementation of the ASASStrategy for Research –

Development – Innovation in Fruit Growing for the period 2021–2027 ensures the

continuation of scientific research through proposed projects and experiments,

including: creation of genetic variability and expansion of the selection base by

obtaining large and diverse hybrid progenies; improvement of selection

technology using molecular markers to accelerate the development of new

cultivars; use of molecular techniques to identify resistance genes, enhancing the

efficiency of breeding programs.

3.These efforts provide the basis for the development of superior cultivars,

combining productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to diseases, while also

shortening the time needed to release a new variety. The integration of traditional

breeding with molecular tools positions ICDP Pitesti as a leading centre in

modern fruit breeding.

4.Selection from the wild flora continues to offer opportunities for identifying and

utilizing valuable genotypes that are well adapted both to local soil conditions and

to climate change.

Acknowledgments

The authors express their sincere gratitude to all plant breeders who have

contributed to the development of these valuable cultivar collections. Their

dedication and expertise have been essential in creating a diverse and high-quality

assortment of fruit species, shrubs, and strawberries.

Contribution of Breeding Programs to the Improvement

of the Romanian Fruit Trees and Berriesassortment

17

R E F E R E N C E S

[1] Branişte, N., Mazilu, Cr., Amzăr, V., Şerboiu, L., Uncheașu, G., Petre, Gh., Andries, N.,

Şerboiu, A., Platon, I., Balaci, R., Vlădeanu, D., Cultura soiurilor de măr cu rezistenţă

genetică la boli în România (The growing of apple varieties with genetic resistance to

diseases in Romania) (2004).

[2] Braniste, N., Butac, M., Fondul de germoplasmă la speciile pomicole, de arbuşti fructiferi şi

căpşun din colecţiile din România (The germplasm fund for the fruit trees species, fruit

shrubs and strawberry of Romania’s collections). Pământul Publishing House, Pitesti (2006).

[3] Butac, M., Militaru, M., Titirică, I., Sturzeanu, M., Gavăt, C., Opriţă, A.V., Iurea, E., Sîrbu,

S., Botu, M., Petre, V., Petre, Gh., Vintilă, M. Sortimente pretabile pentru pomicultura

modern (Varieties suitable for modern fruit growing). INVEL MULTIMEDIA Publishing

House, Bucureşti (2018).

[4] Cociu, V., Botu, I., Şerboiu, L., Progrese în ameliorarea plantelor horticole din România,

(Progress in horticultural plant breeding in Romania). Vol. I. Pomicultura, Ceres Publishing

House, Bucureşti (1999).

[5] Militaru, M., Coman, M., Butac, M., Sturzeanu, M., Tititrică, I., Călinescu, M., Stanciu, C.,

Botu, M., Gavăt, C., Sîrbu, S., Iurea, E., Erculescu, M., Sestraș, A., Fondul de germoplasmă

la speciile pomicole cultivate în România (The germplasm fund of fruit trees species

cultivated in Romania), Invel MultiMedia, Publishing House, Romania (2018).

[6] Sestraș, R., Ameliorarea Speciilor Horticole (Horticultural speciesbreeding),AcademicPres

Publishing House, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 128 (2004).

[7] Sturzeanu, M., Călinescu, M., Nicola, C., Titirică, I., Ciucu, M., Study of new strawberry

selections

from

the

Romanian

strawberry

breeding

programmehttps://publications.icdp.ro/publicatii/lucrari%202018/I.11.%20Sturzeanu.pdf,

Accessed on 15 June 2025.

[8] Sturzeanu, M., Ancu, I., Chitu, E., The evaluation of fruits quality in some strawberry

cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa L. Duch.).Fruit Growing Research, Vol. XXXI, 23-29.

DOI:10.33045/fgr.v39.2023.01 (2015).

[9] Sturzeanu, M., Coman, M., Hera, O., Petrescu, A., Paraschiv, M.,'Sarom' and 'Ireal', new

strawberry cultivars,Fruit Growing Research, Vol. XXXIX, 6-15. (2024).

[10] Titirică, I., Nicola, C., Sturzeanu, M., Fruit quality in some blueberry genotypes, Fruit

Growing Research, Vol. XXXIX (1), 1-7(2013)

.