Books by Teodora Ivanova
Растения и хора. Приближения към биокултурните връзки, 2021
За отношенията хора - растения; people - plants relationships
Растения и хора. Приближения към биокултурните връзки, 2021
За отношенията хора - растения; people - plants relationships
Project: Градината – място на биоку... more За отношенията хора - растения; people - plants relationships
Project: Градината – място на биокултурно разнообразие и интердисциплинарно пресичане (The Garden: Site of Biocultural Diversity and Interdisciplinary Junction)
Papers by Teodora Ivanova
Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, Jan 2, 2015
Ruscus aculeatus L. is a perennial semi-shrub with distinctive leaf-like branches (cladodes). Rhi... more Ruscus aculeatus L. is a perennial semi-shrub with distinctive leaf-like branches (cladodes). Rhizomes and roots contain steroidal saponins (ruscogenins) that are used in medicine and cosmetics for their anti-inflammatory, venotonic and antihaemorroidal activity. Problematic cultivation of the species causes in many countries unsustainable over-collection from the wild. Tissue culture propagation of R. aculeatus was carried out for conservation and propagation purposes. The impact of the clonal origin (genotype) on the ruscogenin biosynthesis, genome-size stability and propagation traits and morpho-physiological response to long-term cultivation in vitro was studied. Production of ruscogenins in fully developed regenerants was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genome-size stability of the clones was assessed by flow cytometry. Slow growth and prolonged lag-phase were characteristic for the whole propagation cycle. Produced plantlets with well-defined organs were suitable for direct ex vitro planting. Genome DNA content of all clones was stable and comparable to native plants. Ruscogenin biosynthesis was clone-specific, presenting distinctive profiles of the cultures. Our results imply that clone origin and culture type might influence saponin biosynthesis in Ruscus. These traits should be considered in the ex situ conservation of the genetic diversity of this species and by production of planting material as well.
Plants
The study tracks the utilization of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil)—a garden plant popular for ... more The study tracks the utilization of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil)—a garden plant popular for its ritual and ornamental value in the past, that is currently applied in various forms and ways as medicine, food, insect repellent, etc.—in Bulgaria. Previous data for Bulgarian rural home gardens showed a significant number of preserved local landraces; however, it remained unclear how people perceive the large varietal diversity of this species and how the traditions related to its use are preserved. We combined a literature review on the cultural value of sweet basil and the breeding of local genetic resources with an online questionnaire, directed to adult laypeople, that sought to access different aspects of past (recalled) and present use and related knowledge. The identification skills of the participants were tested using images of local plant landraces and foreign varieties. Responses from 220 participants showed that potted “Genovese”-type individual was most frequently ident...
Diversity
The global climate and societal challenges in the recent years urge us to strengthen food securit... more The global climate and societal challenges in the recent years urge us to strengthen food security; thus, the rediscovery of wild foods and foraging practices is also part of the sustainability agenda. Utilization of underappreciated sources such as ruderal plants could be a valuable option, especially for vulnerable parts of the society. We present data on traditional knowledge on spring edible ruderal plant taxa preserved in rural regions of Bulgaria, combining field studies in the period 2017–2022 that were compared to the available recent and historical ethnographic and (ethno)botanical literature. Semi-structured interviews were performed with representatives of 94 households in North and South Bulgaria, focusing on collection practices, used parts, and preparation methods. We list 65 edible ruderals, belonging to 22 plant families, of which 19 appeared only in the literature sources. Unlike in the Mediterranean tradition, edible ruderal plants in Bulgaria were regarded unfavor...
Agronomy
Lamiaceae comprises widely distributed medicinal and aromatic plants, many of which are tradition... more Lamiaceae comprises widely distributed medicinal and aromatic plants, many of which are traditionally used in European countries. The current study aimed to document Lamiaceae taxa used in rural Bulgaria (Southeast Europe) and to explore the related local knowledge and cultural practices that influence their utilization for various purposes. Field work included inventory of Lamiaceae diversity in home gardens and semi-structured interviews focused on the cultivation, collection, and utilization practices common among elderly inhabitants of 34 settlements in rural Bulgaria. We report the utilization of 27 Lamiaceae taxa, 9 of which were collected from the wild. Traditional and contemporary ways of utilizing Lamiaceae taxa as culinary and medicinal plants, in herbal teas, as repellents, ritual plants, etc., are presented. Recent knowledge on medicinal properties contributed to the introduction of new taxa in gardens (wild and cultivated), while traditional culinary practices were foun...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Increased understanding of subjective well-being (SWB), as well as factors that influence it, are... more Increased understanding of subjective well-being (SWB), as well as factors that influence it, are essential to enhance well-being at the individual and national level. We have applied a hedonic and eudaimonic 9-item composed tool (SWB score) to measure SWB across several Mediterranean (MED) and non-Mediterranean (non-MED) countries, and to explore the association between the SWB score and a range of sociodemographic, health and Mediterranean lifestyle factors. A specifically designed web-based questionnaire was distributed to adult participants (N = 2400) from Spain, Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria and Republic of North Macedonia. Results showed that the SWB score was significantly different across the examined countries with the MED participants displaying slightly higher average scores than the non-MED ones (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 6.1 ± 1.6, p = 0.002). Several sociodemographic, health status and lifestyle factors displayed a significant but limited association with the 9-item SWB score, with a ...
After four editions in Sofia (2010, 2012), Dubrovnik (2014) and Tirana (2016), Terra Madre Balkan... more After four editions in Sofia (2010, 2012), Dubrovnik (2014) and Tirana (2016), Terra Madre Balkans (TMB) network has gathered at the heart of the European debate in a moment that is crucial for the definition of the Europe 's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2020. The knowledge about common history, rich biodiversity and natural resources together with the similar socio-economic challenges experiences in the region make it possible to transform the CAP into a toolbox, responding to the regional context. TMB2018 is a strategic tool to raise that the European integration of the Western Balkans needs a holistic approach in order to ensure the peace, security and prosperity of this diverse region. In line with improving the region's connectivity, considering human dimension of agricultural biodiversity demonstrates the potential of small-scale food producers and rural communities from the Balkans to be the driving force for fostering local growth and socio-economic develo...
Trakia Journal of Science, 2015
PURPOSE: Ruscus aculeatus L. is an economically important ornamental and medicinal plant gathered... more PURPOSE: Ruscus aculeatus L. is an economically important ornamental and medicinal plant gathered mainly from the wild. Micropropagation protocols have been suggested for rapid production of clonal material and ex situ conservation of Ruscus species to avoid further over-exploitation of its natural resources. Variances in propagation rate and plant habitus were reported previously as important traits of the specific clones. Izoenzyme markers are proposed for assessment of the possible somaclonal variability induced during the in vitro propagation and the efficiency of the micropropagation procedure. METHODS: The isoenzyme profiles of three enzyme systems (peroxidases, esterases and acid phosphatase) of seven in vitro clones and native control were compared using discontinuous PAGE system. RESULTS: Induction of additional isoforms was frequent in the in vitro plants and clonespecific variations were detected. Acid phosphatase profiles were most polymorphic compared to less variable esterase and peroxidase ones. Isoenzyme profiles were not particularly correlated with the geographical origin of the accessions. CONCLUSIONS: The less polymorphic peroxidase and esterase systems could be used as markers for somaclonal changes by in vitro cultivation of R. aculeatus and selection of prospective clones.
Diversity
Artisan food production, with its unique flavors, is a source of knowledge about sustainable use ... more Artisan food production, with its unique flavors, is a source of knowledge about sustainable use of natural resources. This is because it reflects the skills of local communities in utilizing these resources (e.g., wild and cultivated plants and autochthonous breeds) under specific environmental conditions for a long period of time. Therefore, the use of local ingredients and the reduction in food miles make traditional food a safer, healthier and more ecofriendly choice for consumers. In the present research, we examined the herbal ingredients in Bulgarian dry-cured meats and discuss their contribution to the flavor and durability of the products. A combination of field data, collected through semi-structured interviews in local communities, and an analysis of the available literature was used to reveal the typicity of 24 artisanal/homemade meat products available mostly in their place of origin. We compared the obtained data to 16 industrial products branded as “traditional”, with...
Nutrients
The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been sponsored worldwide as a healthy and sustainable diet. Our a... more The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been sponsored worldwide as a healthy and sustainable diet. Our aim was to update and compare MD adherence and food choices across several Southern European countries: Spain (SP), Portugal (PT), Italy (IT), Greece (GR), and Cyprus (CY) (MED, Mediterranean), and Bulgaria (BG) and the Republic of North Macedonia (NMK) (non-MED, non-Mediterranean). Participants (N = 3145, ≥18 y) completed a survey (MeDiWeB) with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and food questions (14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, 14-MEDAS). The MED and non-MED populations showed moderate (7.08 ± 1.96) and weak (5.58 ± 1.82) MD adherence, respectively, with significant yet small differences across countries (SP > PT > GR > IT > CY > BG > NMK, p-value < 0.001). The MED participants scored higher than the non-MED ones for most of the Mediterranean-typical foods, with the greatest differences found for olive oil (OO) and white meat preference. In most coun...
Ruscus aculeatus L. is a perennial semi-shrub with distinctive leaf-like branches (cladodes). Rhi... more Ruscus aculeatus L. is a perennial semi-shrub with distinctive leaf-like branches (cladodes). Rhizomes and roots contain steroidal saponins (ruscogenins) that are used in medicine and cosmetics for their anti-inflammatory, venotonic and antihaemorroidal activity. Problematic cultivation of the species causes in many countries unsustainable over-collection from the wild. Tissue culture propagation of R. aculeatus was carried out for conservation and propagation purposes. The impact of the clonal origin (genotype) on the ruscogenin biosynthesis, genome-size stability and propagation traits and morpho-physiological response to long-term cultivation in vitro was studied. Production of ruscogenins in fully developed regenerants was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genome-size stability of the clones was assessed by flow cytometry. Slow growth and prolonged lag-phase were characteristic for the whole propagation cycle. Produced plantlets with well-defined organ...
In vitro conservation of micropropagated Ruscus aculeatus L. (Liliaceae) cultures was studied. Pl... more In vitro conservation of micropropagated Ruscus aculeatus L. (Liliaceae) cultures was studied. Plants were maintained without transfer on fresh media more than a year. Effi cient medium-term storage in two-phase culture at room temperature was proposed. Recovery of the cultures was investigated on media supplied with various plant growth regulators. Two-phase cultivation allowed eff ortless storage for 16 months. Th e best regeneration rates in the post-storage cultivation were obtained on media with thidiazuron or kinetin.
Botanical Sciences
Background: Bulgarian poetic folklore reflects an agrarian culture deeply connected with land and... more Background: Bulgarian poetic folklore reflects an agrarian culture deeply connected with land and nature. However, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) transmitted through Bulgarian folklore is scarcely assessed. Questions: What are the dimensions of the TEK related to plant diversity (native and introduced) that appear in Bulgarian folk songs and what is their potential as transmitters of ТЕК? Data description: The lyrics of 10,113 Bulgarian folk songs were excerpted from major academic collections and a set of unpublished songs. Study site and dates: Current study covers songs that have been documented since mid-19th century onwards in the present and former Bulgarian territories and in areas that have been inhabited by ethnic Bulgarians abroad. Methods: Common plant names and descriptions of plants and landscapes were used to detect botanical affiliations of the denoted plants. We focused on frequencies of plant representations and their functions associated with cultural, agri...
The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been sponsored worldwide as a healthy and sustainable diet. Our a... more The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been sponsored worldwide as a healthy and sustainable diet. Our aim was to update and compare MD adherence and food choices across several Southern European countries: Spain (SP), Portugal (PT), Italy (IT), Greece (GR), and Cyprus (CY) (MED, Mediterranean), and Bulgaria (BG) and the Republic of North Macedonia (NMK) (non-MED, non-Mediterranean). Participants (N = 3145, ≥18 y) completed a survey (MeDiWeB) with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and food questions (14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, 14-MEDAS). The MED and non-MED populations showed moderate (7.08 ± 1.96) and weak (5.58 ± 1.82) MD adherence, respectively, with significant yet small differences across countries (SP > PT > GR > IT > CY > BG > NMK, p-value < 0.001). The MED participants scored higher than the non-MED ones for most of the Mediterranean-typical foods, with the greatest differences found for olive oil (OO) and white meat preference. In most coun...
Wild edible greens constitute a valuable part of the “wild food” – an ecosystem service tradition... more Wild edible greens constitute a valuable part of the “wild food” – an ecosystem service traditionally used worldwide. Their use as vegetable filling of pastries is one of the popular and diverse food traditions in the Balkans. Specificities of the Bulgarian zelnik (traditional vegetable phyllo pastry type) from Haskovo province were studied, so as to document the variety of plant taxa used in its preparation and the related traditional ecological knowledge preserved in the local communities. Twenty-four food plants (14 wild or semi-cultivated and 10 cultivated) were recorded as zelnik fillings. Most varied wild mixtures were reported from the Ivaylovgrad Municipality by descendants of the Anatolian Bulgarians. Their tradition for zelnik preparations turned out rather different from those of other ethno-confessional groups. Fast depopulation of the region and application of this knowledge only for private family use could explain the limited popularity of wider edible greens consumpt...
IVANOVA, T., D. DIMITROVA, G. ANGELOV, Ch. GUSSEV, Y. BOSSEVA and T. STOEVA, 2013. Callus culture... more IVANOVA, T., D. DIMITROVA, G. ANGELOV, Ch. GUSSEV, Y. BOSSEVA and T. STOEVA, 2013. Callus cultures and indirect regeneration of Ruscus hypoglossum in vitro. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 49–51 Ruscus hypoglossum L. is a highly valued ornamental plant collected mainly from the wild and threatened in several European countries. Slow growth and low germination rates hamper its cultivation. Micropropagation has been considered advantageous for rapid production of planting material and ex situ conservation of Ruscus species. Callus cultures of R. hypoglossum were induced on TDZ containing medium and indirect shoot regeneration rate was evaluated on different medium composition. TDZ ensured higher regeneration rates, caused shoot, and cladode alterations in regenerates persisting throughout the cultivation. Callus induction was optimal at 30 g.l–1 sucrose and dropped down with the increase of sucrose concentration. Increase of the sucrose (15–60 g.l–1) infl uenced positively sho...
Plants
The home garden is a unique human-nature interspace that accommodates a diverse spectrum of plant... more The home garden is a unique human-nature interspace that accommodates a diverse spectrum of plant species and provides multiple services to households. One of the most important roles of home gardens is to shelter the agricultural plant diversity that provides for diverse and healthy nutrition, especially in rural communities. While tropical home gardens have received wide recognition due to their provisional function for the local communities, temperate and especially European home gardens have been discussed less frequently as a source of subsistence. The main objectives of the current study were to document plant species grown in Bulgarian rural home gardens and to explore related local knowledge and cultural practices that influence food plant diversity, its selection and preservation. Field work was focused on settlements situated in eight provinces in South and North-West Bulgaria. Participants representing 65 home gardens were approached through semi-structured interviews. Ho...
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Books by Teodora Ivanova
Project: Градината – място на биокултурно разнообразие и интердисциплинарно пресичане (The Garden: Site of Biocultural Diversity and Interdisciplinary Junction)
Papers by Teodora Ivanova
Project: Градината – място на биокултурно разнообразие и интердисциплинарно пресичане (The Garden: Site of Biocultural Diversity and Interdisciplinary Junction)