The Buzau Plant Genetic Resources Bank (BRGV) holds in its collection 20 chrysanthemum varieties of different sizes and colours, two of which are edible and currently undergoing approval, according to the institution's representatives.

In November, a period that coincides with lower temperatures and rainfall, dozens of colourful mound-shaped bushes can be seen at BRGV. The chrysanthemum collection includes varieties with white, bicoloured, red or orange flowers of various sizes.

'We have a rich chrysanthemum collection. More than 20 varieties are now stabilised. Popularly known as tufanele, these are improved chrysanthemum varieties, many of which were recovered or found in household gardens. Over time we are considering expanding the space allocated to this species because it has multiple uses, from the edible varieties appreciated for their medicinal benefits to those grown as ornamentals, and of course they have many other properties, being repellents for certain pests. These traditional varieties that form a globular bush generally do not require special care, only timely watering and clearing of weeds. Otherwise they do not need chemical treatments, they are hardy plants. Chrysanthemums have long been cultivated in Romania, mainly in household gardens. Improved varieties have been cultivated since the 1950s more intensively, generally in greenhouses or protected spaces, to obtain attractive flowers for sale,' Buzau BRGV Director Costel Vinatoru told AGERPRES.

The chrysanthemum, the queen of autumn flowers, also widely used in the perfume industry, can be grown both outdoors and indoors in pots, with varying sizes and high resistance to low temperatures and pests.

'This charm of colours is attractive in this species and it deserves work. In the floricultural sector we are trying to save as many of these varieties as possible. This species can express itself in various ways, shapes and sizes. It has great biodiversity in terms of colours, flower types and height. There are also varieties that can be grown dwarf, with small bushy forms, double flowers, suitable for pots or window boxes,' explained the BRGV researcher.

Among the chrysanthemum varieties at Buzau BRGV are two edible ones prepared for approval. According to specialists, the European catalogue of vegetable plants does not list any chrysanthemum variety, nor does Romania. The edible chrysanthemum is used as a vegetable, for both leaves and flowers, in salads or for tea making.

'The edible chrysanthemum was a first for us and we have two varieties. One is in the process of approval, the other is being prepared. The varieties differ in flower colour. One has yellow flowers and the other yellow with white at the tips of the petals, creating a beautiful mix of white and yellow. This type of chrysanthemum has not existed in Romania. The vegetative parts are consumed, the leaves, young sprouts and even young flowers. It has a special taste and can be used in culinary dishes, salads or combinations. Its taste is similar to carrot, unsurprisingly, as it is rich in carotene which the body assimilates easily. Just as we enjoy the taste and aroma of carrot, chrysanthemum also has a specific flavour reminiscent of carrot. It is a first for Romania because it is an edible plant, a medicinal plant, an ornamental plant and, importantly, it reproduces by seed. This is a major achievement because chrysanthemums are not usually propagated vegetatively, so the seeds can be easily preserved and crops can be easily established,' revealed Costel Vinatoru.

According to BRGV management, the development of Romania's floricultural sector could contribute to economic growth in the context of massive flower imports.

'These are valuable genetic resources. Many of them are not sufficiently explored or known. We are trying to explore them genetically, to stabilise and genetically profile these varieties. If we look at old Romanian catalogues, yes, many varieties in this field have been lost. Now, of course, we are trying to rebuild this heritage and hope to soon have these resources safeguarded for future generations. It is a sector that has been neglected and one that could be said to bring losses to the national economy. Why? Because Romania is a major flower importer. If we were to calculate how much money leaves Romania through flower imports, we would certainly see the need to act. Climatic conditions in Romania are suitable for many floricultural species, such as chrysanthemum, which can be grown in Romania without difficulty, both in protected spaces and in the area. The important thing is the willingness to do so,' the Buzau BRGV director said.

The Plant Genetic Resources Bank for vegetable growing, floriculture, aromatic and medicinal plants Buzau is a public research institution under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Its main activity is the exploration, inventory, collection, research, development and conservation of plant genetic resources. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Zafiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)