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 Agerpress.
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