The AgroBioInstitute (ABI, AAC), together with the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University, is organizing the 4th International “Fascination of Plants Day” under the auspices of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO ‐ www.epsoweb.org), Brussels. The role of plants in environmental protection will be a key message. The “Fascination of Plants Day” will take place on 18.05.2017 from 11:00 to 17:00 in the foyer of the Faculty of Biology at the address: Sofia, 8 “Dragan Tsankov” Blvd.
Plants are fascinating. From a small seed planted in the soil, many green plants grow – from small herbs to large trees, or from ornamental flowers to important crops, on which all animals and humans depend in order to survive on this planet. Plant biologists estimate that the total number of plant species is approximately 250,000, which is an enormous figure proving that plant sciences are essential for the social and environmental context of the present and the future.
The “Fascination of Plants Day” aims to attract as many people as possible who are fascinated by plants and enthused by the importance of plant science for agriculture, for sustainable food production, as well as for horticulture, forestry and for non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The “Fascination of Plants Day” will include various activities for children and adolescents, such as a corner for making appliqués, planting flowers and seeds of different plants, exhibitions of photographs, drawings and a collection of colourful ornamental plants, as well as visits to the herbarium and the genomic centre of the Faculty of Biology. Illustrative presentations, posters and experimental setups will present information on various topics related to plants and their importance. At the end of the day, prizes will be awarded to the winners in the different competitions, selected by voting on the event’s Facebook page.
The “Fascination of Plants Day” will take place on 18.05.2017.
from 11:00 to 17:00 in the foyer of the Faculty of Biology at the address: Sofia, 8 “Dragan Tsankov” Blvd.
PROGRAMME
10:00 – OPENING by the Director of ABI Prof. D. Djilianov and the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Assoc. Prof. S. Shishkov
10:15-16:00 – THE WORLD OF PLANTS – PRESENTATIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND POSTERS
1. “Organic fertilizers – do it yourself“ G. Tsoynska, student at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.
2. “Plants and water – why do plants ‘sweat’?“ V. Kostova and I. Stoyanov, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.
3. “Carnivorous plants“ D. Paskova and Zh. Redzhepova, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.
4. “On medicinal plants“ N. Atanasova and E. Mihaylova, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.
5. “Medical marijuana“ T. Uzunova and D. Kircheva, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.
6. “On the benefits of plant biotechnology“ I. Ilieva and M. Alexeeva, Department of Plant Physiology
7. “Reasons for studying plantain (genus Plantago)“ A. Kercheva and D. Valova, Department of Plant Physiology
8. “On molecular studies on hop (Humulus lupulus)“ D. Iliev, student at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
9. “Kalanchoe – a home pharmacy“ A. Nisimova and D. Velchev, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
10. “Essential oils – biosynthesis, accumulation and release in aromatic plants. Extraction of essential oils“ Z. Petrova and I. Petrova, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
11. “Kombucha or the path of tea from Camellia sinensis“ NATURAL+ Ltd.
12. “Vampire plants. Biology of parasitic plants of the genus Cuscuta“ D. Teofanova, A. Tosheva, L. Zagorchev, Department of Biochemistry
13. “Plant Immunity“ B. Dinich, Tuba Öztürk, Dilyan, Department of Plant Physiology
14. “Response of European beech to the invasion of the beech beetle Orchestes fagi“ V. Chavgov, student at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
15. “The antagonism between abscisic and gibberellic acids“ M. Tomeva and V. Rashev, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
16. “The curious actions of auxins“ S. Ganeva and Iva, students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
17. “The voice of plants“ B. Pavlova, student at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University, and S. Dimitrova and M. Paunov, PhD students at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
18. “Crates for agricultural produce with a special coating for long-term preservation of the freshness of fruit and vegetables for people with small farms and gardens“ Training company "Alpha" from Secondary School "Kozma Trichkov" – Vratsa
19. “Plant morphology“ Functional Genetics of Legumes group, ABI
20. “Presentation of the Information Centre for Plant Biotechnology at ABI“ Abiotic Stress group, ABI
21. SKORETS, club of biology students, Faculty of Biology of Sofia University
22. “Abiotic stress in plants“ ABI
23. Project “Assessment and monitoring of the effect of genetically modified plants on agro-ecosystems” (AMIGA) M. Radkova, D. Djilianov, ABI
24. “Beautiful but dangerous: invasive species of the genus Phytophthora – a threat to forest ecosystems“ Biotic Stress group, ABI
25. Project “Production of valuable products from microalgae“ Petya Stoycheva, ABI
26. “Functional Genetics – Cereals“ ABI
27. “Bulgarian tomatoes “Paco Orange” can replace carrots in baby purees! Tell your mom!“ M. Radkova, ABI
28. “Plant genetic resources“ ABI
29. “Molecular genetics in plants“ ABI
30. “STARBIOS Project – expanding responsible biosciences“ D. Moyankova, D. Djilianov,
31. “Viruses – the invisible enemy of plants“ I. Kamenova, ABI
32. “Plant biology in legume crops“ A. Yancheva, M. Revalska, ABI
10:15-16:00 – INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES
• 10:30-15:30 – ART workshop for children – appliqués, drawings and cards
• 11:00-11:30 and 15:00-15:30 – Visit to the Herbarium of Sofia University
• 11:30-12:30 and 14:00-15:00 – Planting tomato seedlings
10:00-17:00 – ALL-DAY EXHIBITIONS
• Exhibition-market of ornamental plants – Institute of Floriculture, Negovan
• Exhibition of drawings and essays from the competition “Protected and endangered plants of Bulgaria”
• Video wall with presentations and photos from the competition “Protected and endangered plants of Bulgaria”
16:00 – AWARDING OF THE WINNERS IN THE COMPETITION “ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED PLANTS OF BULGARIA”
17:00 – CLOSING
