Preliminary studies on biology and harvest technology at Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C.

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C., is a species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, known in international specialized literature as wild rocket or perennial wall-rocket. This species originates from the Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe and Central Asia and can be grown in countries as diverse like USA, UK, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Israel, India and Australia. Traditionally, this plant was harvested from spontaneous flora, but due to its qualities, superior to cultivated species Eruca sativa Mill, it was taken into cultivation about three decades ago, being a subject of study approached by researchers from different areas of the world. Diplotaxis tenuifolia is a perennial species with a high ecological plasticity. It is grown mainly for its leaves used in simple or mixed salads, providing a distinct, spicy flavor. In addition to the use of perennial wall-rocket in food industry, it can be used in industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Due to its ecological plasticity and consumers interest for this species, in this study analyzed current scientifically informations on biological particularities and way of use, in order to introduce this species into cultivation in Romania.